The Nicholson Organ

The organ was built by Nicholsons of Malvern and the inaugural recital was given by Dr Peter Hurford in June 1995. It is a versatile instrument enabling music from all periods of the organ repertoire to be convincingly interpreted as well as providing effective accompaniment to the liturgy. The instrument is located in the South Aisle and housed in a fine case of mainly English oak that was designed by Anthony Hall. The majority of the pipework is not new, but taken from the previous 1950 three manual instrument built by A E Davies and Sons of Northampton and housed at the West End of the North and South Aisles.

The organ has two manuals and pedals with a total of 20 stops and is played from an attached console with modern electronic playing aids. The action to the keys and drawstops is totally mechanical.

The church supports an annual organ recital series giving the opportunity for established national and international recitalists to play this fine instrument. In recent years the Gala Recital in each series has been given by:

• Malcolm Archer - St Paul's Cathedral (2006)
• Peter Wright - Southwark Cathedral (2007)
• Martin Baker - Westminster Cathedral (2008)
• James O’Donnell - Westminster Abbey (2009)
• Stephen Cleobury - Kings College Cambridge (2010)
• David Hill (2011)
• Ian Tracey from Liverpool Cathedral will be giving the Gala Recital in 2012.

The concerts are supported financially by generous donations and sponsorship of Sandwich Town Council and Sandwich Tollbridge Fund as well as local business sponsors and private patrons to whom we offer out thanks.

We welcome those who might wish to play the organ at St Clement's - please contact The Organist.