Music in the Cathedral

OVERVIEW 

Music is central to the life of the Cathedral. Its programme is unique and remains firmly rooted in the sacred tradition of church music, sustained and enriched over the years by many distinguished organists.

The first organ in the Cathedral was a Bates & Son instrument, though records do not specify when or how it was acquired. A clearer history begins in 1890, when a two-manual Hill & Son pipe organ was inaugurated. According to the Cape Times, the inauguration drew a large congregation despite strong winds. The programme included vocal works by Mozart, Gounod, and Stradella, and organ pieces by Guilmant, Batiste, Liszt, and others, showcasing the instrument’s versatility.

In October 1922, Cooper, Gill and Tomkins Organ Builders—who had opened a Cape Town office in 1902—recommended installing an electric blower to replace hand-pumping. This was done in January 1924. In 1941, organist John Walsh proposed converting the Swell pedal lever to a balanced mechanism for greater expressive control.

The organ’s first major rebuild began in October 1958. A Southern Cross article stressed the need for the work, highlighting the value of the original pipework and the vision for an instrument worthy of the Cathedral. Plans included moving the console for better sightlines to the choir, arranging the display pipes to frame the stained glass, and adding new reed stops and a third manual. This was made possible by the St Mary’s Cathedral Organ Restoration Fund, approved by Archbishop Owen McCann (later Cardinal McCann) and supported by public donations. Pipes for the Trumpet 8’ (Swell), Trombone 16’ (Pedal), and Tromba 8’ (Great and Pedal) came from a dismantled organ at Trinity College, Cambridge.

In 1989, another restoration was carried out in memory of Fr John Walsh, longtime organist and choirmaster. This included replacing bellows leather, renewing connections, and cleaning and repairing pipework. Completed in 1990, this remains the last major rebuild. A plaque below the organ façade honours all who helped maintain the Cathedral’s proud musical heritage.

In 2022, under then Director of Music Dale de Windt, the music vision was renewed. Regular choral Masses and Vespers are now part of Cathedral life again, ensuring the tradition of sacred music continues to inspire future generations.