A Private Organ Recital
Have you got a special birthday or anniversary approaching, but want an original and inspiring way to celebrate? Are you looking for a truly unique experience which you and your friends will remember for the rest of their lives? The Private Organ Recital Experience provides the perfect way to mark any special occasion.
The event begins at around 6.30pm, when this ‘most poetic of all England’s cathedrals’ awaits the arrival of you and up to 20 guests. As you make your way through the building, you will be in awe of the grandeur and beauty of its interior, which was built more than 700 years ago.
Passing through the vast Nave and entering the beautiful Lady Chapel, you and your guests will be welcomed by a member of the Cathedral Chapter and you will meet your organ recitalist for the evening. You will then enjoy a reception of Bollinger Champagne and canapés, with waiter service. After some convivial time together, your host will provide a brief and entertaining introduction to the cathedral, its musical life and, most importantly, the organ. Then it is time to move into the intimate space of the Cathedral Quire to take your seats for the private, candlelit organ recital.
The recital will last between 45 minutes and an hour. The recital will be played by the Cathedral’s Director of Music and will consist of a series of contrasting and beautiful pieces, carefully selected to demonstrate the range and power of the magnificent Willis/Harrison organ. If you have any particular favourite pieces, or if there is music with a special meaning to you, special requests for inclusion in the recital can be included by agreement in advance.
At the conclusion of the evening, you will receive a special commemorative certificate, signed by the Dean of Wells Cathedral, as a souvenir of the event.
If you wish to extend your celebrations further, we would be happy to provide a personalised quote for a variety of tailor-made options. These could include:
accommodating a larger group of up to 100 guests to attend the event
the provision of musical accompaniment such as a harpist or guitarist during the champagne reception
the services of a professional photographer to record the event for posterity.
We can also provide unique private dining options so that your celebrations continue after the recital concludes. An example could include a post-recital black-tie dinner for up to 30 guests in the spectacular medieval Vicars Hall, a space which is normally inaccessible to the general public.
Price for 20 guests: £5000, of which £3,800 will form a donation to the Friends of Wells Cathedral Grand Organ Appeal. Other options charged extra.
To book your Private Organ Recital Experience or to arrange a gift certificate for a friend, please email us at OrganAppeal@wellsfriends.org or call the Friends office on 01749 678830 and we will be in touch to arrange all of the details.
Important notes: The Private Recital Experience lasts approximately 2 hours in total and can take place on any day of the week, subject to arrangement between us. Some spaces in the Cathedral are only accessible by uneven stairs (for example the Vicars Hall and the Chapter House) and so are only suitable for guests without mobility limitations.