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Grand Organ, Sydney Town Hall
This collection contains a small selection of archives relating to the Grand Organ, Sydney Town Hall.
When Sydney Town Hall was designed, it featured plans for an organ of grand dimensions, drawn up in 1879. A committee recommended an even grander design.
English company William Hill and Son (1829-1916) was responsible for its manufacture, freight and installation and 12 months' maintenance, at a cost of £14,241 (pounds). It was sent by ship to Sydney in 94 packages.
The casework for the organ was made by Messrs Elwell & Son of Beverley, Yorkshire, a firm of wood carvers, joiners and furniture makers (confirmed by article in British newspaper The Beverley Independent, 29 June 1889).
The opening of the grand organ was held on Saturday 9 August 1890, and featured the City Organist of Liverpool, Mr WT Best. The organ was hailed by the Sydney Morning Herald as 'the special attraction of the city right now.'
August Wiegand from Belgium was appointed as the first City Organist in 1891. His successor, Arthur Mason, was appointed in 1901, beginning a long tradition of Australian organists to hold the post. Ernest Truman held the position from 1909-1935. Robert Ampt was appointed in 1978 and served in the role until 2022.
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References
City Organists of Sydney by Robert Ampt
CollectionSydney Town Hall