A unique evensong service saw the restoration of Lincoln Organ celebrated by a large crowd in Thaxted Church, the culmination of six years of fundraising efforts.
The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, performed the rededication and blessing of the 1821 instrument, famously played by Gustav Holst in the early 20th century.
Cambridge organist Anne Page, hugely influential in her continued support for the restoration, gave a sonic blessing to the instrument.
During her recital she performed the première of a newly commissioned work by local musician Jake Walker called Thaxted Trinity, which in three movements reflects the English countryside, Thaxted’s folk music tradition and Holst’s influence.
The organ was not the only one to shine at the festal evensong, with the choir singing Soul of the World, a piece specially written for the occasion by Director of Music Christopher Bayston.
Hallelujah Chorus, a song performed at the conclusion of the opening celebrations of the Lincoln Organ in Thaxted Church in June 1858, was the fitting finale to the celebration, followed by the Thaxted Morris Men’s lively reception entertainment.
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