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This instrument was built in 1979 by Nigel Church &
Company, in
collaboration with the Swiss builder Georges Lhôte. The church of
Our Lady and St Columba nestles against Newcastle's Metro line,
and its distinctive green roof is noticeable from afar. Inside, the
church
is spacious, the organ speaking down the full length of the building
from
the west end gallery. Trying to describe the sound is difficult, for it
is just so perfectly exquisite. The Principal 8' sings in an almost
unique
manner and the chorus that builds on it is crisp and lively (although
perhaps
a little thin). The flutes on the Choir are all softly spoken, but the
resultant Cornet is brisk and reedy. The Pedal division is housed in a
separate case behind the main case. The Pedal Subbass 16' and Open
Flute
8' both give warm tone throughout the compass, and the creamy
intonation
of the Flute is particularly beautiful. The Trumpet 8' is refined and
prompt
speaking. Like the similar organ at Fenham
the
suspended action is a delight to play, encouraging musicality and
allowing
absolute control of pipe speech. |