St Giles' Church, Oxford signs the contract with Mascioni for a New Organ.
St Giles' Church, Oxford signs contract for new organ
St Giles' Parish Church in Oxford was built in 1120. And even now, it values its past whilst building a future.
The church music school is a training centre for emerging talents.
It nurtures young organists (sometimes very, very young organists) to exemplary levels. To date, it's supported twelve young players via the Dr Martin Clarke Young Organ Scholars' Trust.
The same can be said for us who've just signed a landmark agreement to build a new organ for St. Giles'. We also combine tradition with progress and development.
So the signing ceremony on 25 September 2025, in a joyous festival of prayer, pictures, conversations, bells and music (with a stunning Widor performance by a ten-year-old organist: proof of St. Giles' philosophy) was an historic moment for all of us. For St. Giles', a milestone in its 900 years and a commitment to music, inclusion, education, culture and community. For us, the first ever instrument for the UK. And interestingly, one of the first Italian organs to arrive in Oxford.
For St. Giles, a milestone in its 900 years and a commitment to music, inclusion, education, culture and community.
For us, the first ever UK instrument. And, interestingly, one of the first Italian organs to arrive in Oxford.
The instrument will be installed in 2028. Its case, designed by Daniele Invernizzi here in Azzio, respects the arches and historical form of the building, but gives us an idea of what the organ will bring to the church.
Within, the organ has mechanical action, giving players a direct link between the keys and pipes. For emerging organists, it's a chance to learn first-hand how to actually influence the speech of pipes with their hands. Tactile feedback between player and instrument, for a richer understanding of how an organ's sound is produced.
Tonally it will be versatile and with education in mind. Yet the wind-pressures will be low, allowing every stop to 'sing'. The voicing will not just handle repertoires, but encourage players to experiment
At the ceremony, Andrea Mascioni said: 'We are immensely proud to have been chosen to build the new organ for St. Giles'. It will herald an exciting new chapter in the musical life of the church, and another in the history of our company."
Dr Andrew Sillett, Churchwarden at St Giles' says: 'We are very excited to have reached this stage in the organ project and are confident that Mascioni will build a world class instrument for St Giles'. This will be of enormous benefit to our organists, our organ pupils and congregation, and the community of Oxford.
The contract signing ceremony, on Monday 29 September 2025, was also the occasion for a tribute to the Director of Music Nicholas Prozzillo, who has been in charge of this position for 15 years and has personally promoted this project.
Unlimited thanks go to the Garfield Weston Foundation, the P F Charitable Trust, the Adrian Swire Charitable Trust and from individuals through the Sponsor a Pipe scheme, which continues today.
As will worship, community and excellence in music at St. Giles'. For centuries to come.
St Giles' Organ Signing Ceremony
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