YORK Minster’s Grand Organ will feature in a final concert this weekend before undergoing its first major refurbishment in 100-years.

The gala concert, on Saturday, will include contributions from York Minster’s current and former organists and provides the finale to a series of concerts and recitals which have run throughout 2018 to celebrate the famous instrument.

In October, work will begin on a £2m two-year refurbishment project, which involves removing the instrument - including almost all of its 5,403 pipes – for repair and rebuilding in Durham by organ specialists Harrison and Harrison.

Robert Sharpe, director of music at York Minster, said: “The summer recitals are always special as they provide a unique opportunity to hear the organ played to its full potential in atmospheric surroundings. Saturday’s concert will be particularly so, as the last opportunity to hear this magnificent instrument in a concert until it is reinstated in autumn 2020.”

The programme includes performances by Robert Sharpe, Ben Morris, assistant director of Music at York Minster and John Scott Whiteley, Organ Emeritus of York Minster.

Due to their regular use and environment, cathedral organs ideally require small-scale cleaning and adjustment every 15 to 20 years, with more extensive repairs every 30 to 35 years.

Major refurbishments are needed every 100-years and the last major work on the Minster’s organ was carried out in 1903.

The refurbishment project will include replacing the organ’s mechanism, extensive work to dismantle, clean and overhaul the instrument and minor changes to the organ case to both improve how it looks and the sound it allows out.

The plans also include creating a new music library underneath the organ, inside the screen which separates the Quire from the Nave, subject to the relevant permissions being obtained.

The aim is to ensure the unique sound of the Minster’s organ is preserved, while restoring the grander, imposing qualities which were altered during work in the 1960s.

During the two year’s work, the Minster’s full music programme will continue. A grand piano will be used alongside an existing chamber organ in the Quire and a digital organ will serve both the Nave and Quire.

Saturday’s concert starts at 7pm, tickets cost £8.