Charity Sowne of Organe showcases Scotland's historic pipe organs in free Fochabers concert

A SCOTTISH charity is organising a free concert to showcase the two historic pipe organs in Fochabers.

Sowne of Organe, a charity that surveys and records Scotland’s organs will host a concert featuring the historic instruments at the village's St Mary’s Church and Gordon Chapel.

The charity have made it their mission to create detailed surveys of surviving historic organs in Scotland and the team, including Elgin musician Ross Cumming will investigate the two instruments before showcasing their knowledge with a presentation and concert.

Sowne of Organe contributor Andrew Forbes said: "We spend a couple of days taking the organ to pieces and photographing all the moving parts. The organ maker usually leaves a signature, and it can be really interesting to see the hidden history.

"On our last day we will do the concert and presentation to let everybody in the town know what makes the organ special and why we have given up three days of our time to investigate it.

"A lot of the time, local people like their Church organ but they don't always know much about what makes it good and why it is unique. We try to let people know more the instrument and show that it was made by people who were really skilled. Each organ is custom made for its own building and has a story to tell."

The concert which takes place at St Mary’s Church on Saturday, June 10 at 3pm will provide a look into the instruments history which blend of classical music from various time periods and places, offering a glimpse into the music landscape before and after the organ's creation.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.