The Royal Festival Hall Organ 70 Years on

Hear Andrew Scott in conversation with the Southbank Centre's organ curator, William McVicker, discussing the works carried out to the Royal Festival Hall organ.

The Royal Festival Hall organ, described as the architectural ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Grade I-listed concert auditorium, was refurbished between 2005 and 2014 as part of works to upgrade the hall and its facilities.

The changes in the auditorium's acoustics and the need to enlarge the stage and choir seating meant that the organ’s footprint needed to be carefully adjusted.

Andrew Scott, Managing Director of organ builders Harrison & Harrison Ltd, was one of the ‘voicers' charged with the task of carefully looking after the organ’s mechanisms and pipework.

This talk is an opportunity to hear how all of the changes were achieved while carefully guarding the instrument’s unique tonal and visual character.

There is an opportunity to ask questions.