AN appreciative audience gathered in St Ia Parish Church, St Ives, for the opening organ recital of the 2024 summer series.

The organ recital was played by Jeffrey Williams, the church’s director of music. The 1907 Hele Organ was put through its paces in a wide-ranging musical programme.

Jeffrey explained to the audience that it is now over 30 years since this highly respected instrument received any major attention and that in the region of a further £20,000 needed to be raised in order to commission a full restorative clean and overhaul of the organ that is now beginning to show the signs of dirt and general wear and tear. The recital raised almost £100 towards the goal.

The next recital will be performed by Jerry Mead, the young American Organ Scholar at Truro Cathedral, on Wednesday, June 26, at 1.15pm.

Jerry will be joined by Colombian Soprano, Luisa Torres, in a programme of favourite organ works with vocal items by Faure and Mozart.

“It is important to provide a platform for young performers,” Jeffrey commented, “And I am delighted that we are able to offer this platform at St Ia.”