MUSIC from a new world class chamber organ has been filling Salisbury Cathedral thanks to a donation by the cathedral’s charity.

The long-awaited instrument was built by Netherlands-based renowned harpsichords and small organ builders Henk & Niels Klop.

It was commissioned to accompany much of the Cathedral Choir’s pre-nineteenth-century repertoire and to provide an exemplary continuo instrument in concert work with ensembles such as the City of London Sinfonia, and Florilegium.

The instruments of the Klop firm are respected internationally for their beauty and fullness of tone, their ease of playing, their compactness and their portability.

It was used for the first time in worship at Evensong and in concert for Handel’s Messiah in December.

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John Challenger, the cathedral’s assistant director of music, said he is “absolutely thrilled” with the new acquisition.

“We have waited a long time to receive the instrument, and it has been well worth the wait,” he said.

The organ was first used in December Picture: Finnbarr Webster

“We are delighted with every aspect of it – the exceptional tone quality, its compactness, its versatility and reliability.

“Of course, Salisbury already possesses a world-class Father Willis organ, and our new Klop chamber organ, which is more suited to accompaniments from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, will provide the perfect contrast to our much-loved Romantic-style Willis organ.”

The organ was a gift from the Friends of Salisbury Cathedral, the charity committed to the welfare and preservation of the cathedral.

The project was initiated by the former chair of the friends, Duncan Glass, and was seen through to its conclusion by canon treasurer Kenneth Padley.

Day to day, the organ is housed in the quire, but its sturdiness and portability makes it ideally suited for performances in any space inside the cathedral.

Luke March, Chair of Friends of Salisbury Cathedral, said: “Music is such an integral part in the life of our great cathedral.

“With grateful thanks to all those who generously support the Friends, we are delighted that the cathedral was able to commission this new chamber organ from the Netherlands and that we have been able to play our part in enhancing the musical life of the cathedral.”

The new organ will next be used in Salisbury Cathedral’s Epiphany Devotion on Sunday, January 26 at 5pm, the last of the popular processional services of the season.

This service will be made up of readings, devotional addresses, and the Cathedral Choir joined by period instruments, including the Klop organ, performing parts IV and V of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio.

All are welcome to attend this service.