THE WELTE PHILHARMONIC ORGAN has recently been restored to its full playing glory. Built in 1914 for Sir David Lionel Salomons, the instrument fell into disuse after his death in 1925. The organ is capable not only of being played in the conventional manner but also faithfully reproducing live performances of famous organists using a pneumatic paper roll mechanism similar to that used on player pianos.
In 1996 Broomhill become part of what is now Christ Church Canterbury University and the opportunity to restore the organ followed a successful application to the Heritage Lottery Fund of over £300,000. The instrument is therefore unique since the German company which built the organ no longer exists, having been totally destroyed during the war.
KENNETH PONT, Organist in Residence at Salomons since 2000 will help advise the best music for your ceremony on this historic instrument. A musician with over 40 years experience as a church organist and choral trainer, Kenneth founded the Gibbons Consort of Voices in 1968, a choir which gave concerts, broadcasts and TV appearances all over the country, including over 100 Sunday services at Westminster Abbey and Canterbury Cathedral. His many conducting and concert engagements include organ recitals at Westminster Abbey and services and concerts at Notre-Dame de Paris, Rouen and Chartres Cathedrals.
Kenneth Pont was co-founder of the Mayfield Festival and Mayfield Festival Choir and Director of Music at St. Leonards–Mayfield School in Sussex.
ORGANIST’S FEE is £125. There are no administrative charges or VAT.
Applications for booking the Organist should be made direct to Kenneth Pont Telephone 01892 835164
