Salisbury Cathedral releases organ music album to raise funds for NHS
It's also to raise awareness of musicians losing their livelihoods in the last year
The organ music played during the vaccination centres at Salisbury Cathedral has been collated into a downloadable album, all for the NHS.
Any funds raised by the collection will go to NHS Charities Together, who is the membership body for the 241 NHS charities across the country.
The album features sixteen tracks recorded by Assistant Director of Music John Challenger, who, alongside David Halls, has clocked up around 270 hours of organ playing during vaccination sessions.
Music recording producer and engineer Andrew Mellor heard about the use of the organ over the last couple of months and thought it was a great chance to do a bit of fundraising.
John Challenger. Assistant Director of Music at Salisbury Cathedral said:
"Since we started playing for the vaccinations in January, we have felt a particularly close tie with NHS workers, volunteers, and patients coming in for their jabs. The response to the music has been incredible, so this is a chance for us to thank the NHS team for their heroic work".
Personally, it has been very moving to witness such an historic effort. Many of the patients who come in are already part of our congregation and community, and their vaccination provided their first outing in a very long time.
There were tears. I think coming into this sacred building, having not heard 'live' music for so long, meant a lot to them, particularly hearing our beloved Father Willis organ once again. It has certainly marked a milestone in my life."
Andrew also wanted to produce this album in order to honour all musicians and artists who have been unable to do what they love over the last year:
He said:
"I approached John about the album because I wanted both to contribute to the NHS effort but also to raise awareness of music and musicians, and the role they can play in healing and coming to terms with the kinds of tragedies we have seen during this pandemic.
We face difficult times ahead in art, music and culture, and this story has shown the value and importance of music, and its role in sustaining our wellbeing and happiness, and in enriching our lives."
John recorded 'Salisbury Meditation - Music for the NHS' alongside a small group of musical specialists.
The album cover image was also taken by Salisbury photographer Declan Spreadbury.
Ellie Orton, Chief Executive for NHS Charities Together, said:
"Thank you, Salisbury Cathedral, for supporting NHS Charities Together. It was inspiring to see the reports on how the Cathedral had adapted to being a vaccination centre and it must have been wonderful for those getting their jabs to hear John's music. I urge everyone to buy the album not least because the funds raised will help us continue to support NHS workers, volunteers and patients at the centre of the crisis, and every donation will make a difference."
You can download the album from Apple Music, Spotify**, Presto Music** and all other leading music platforms.