40th London Organ Day

Saturday 14 March 2026

VENUE:

The Royal Military Chapel (The Guards’ Chapel), Westminster

featuring the new organ by Harrison & Harrison

To celebrate the 40th anniversary
of the IAO London Organ Day,
we feature a special venue at a bargain price
(only £35 for IAO members)

London Organ Day can take many forms.

Perhaps we might celebrate the anniversary of a particular composer, or explore the music of a whole school of composers. Sometimes we might experience first-hand a significant historic organ, recently restored to its former glory. Every now and again the day is framed around a brand-new pipe organ in central London.

That’s the case this year, as we visit the Guards Chapel to meet the large new romantic instrument by Harrison & Harrison. There will be plenty of opportunity to hear the organ, and we shall have it introduced to us by those who know it best: Martin Ford (Organist & Director of Music), Andrew Scott (Managing Director, Harrison & Harrison) and Dr. William McVicker who was consultant for the new organ project. While we have Andrew with us, we also will learn a little more about what goes into being an organ builder in the present day.

I hope you will forgive me the indulgence of giving a recital myself on this exciting organ!  LOD 2026 is to be my fourteenth and my last London Organ Day. Our final recitalist continues our tradition of inviting the finest musicians from overseas, as well as celebrating our own native talent. Erwan le Prado is a most wonderful musician, and presides over a grand Cavaille-Coll organ in Caen. Without a doubt his connection with and sympathy for large romantic organs will be in evidence next March.

I look forward to seeing you there!

TOM BELL  | Artistic adviser