Cathedral holds final concert before restoration begins
A final concert has taken place at Guildford Cathedral before the organ is dismantled during a project to repair and restore the building.
The concert, by the Raise the Roof Orchestra, was to raise funds towards the £7m cost of the work. The Grade II listed cathedral was given £500,000 from the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund and £4.6m from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Work on the fabric of the cathedral starts in October 2015. Renovation and improvements to the organ will also be undertaken. The Raise the Roof Orchestra, conducted by Patrick Dienes-Williams, comprises local professionals and music students including the Bishop of Guildford, the Right Reverend Andrew Watson, playing bassoon. Guildford High School pupil Laura MacDonald, 17, performed Elgar's Cello Concerto. The cathedral, which was begun before World War Two but not completed until 1961. The restoration will include the removal of deteriorating plaster on the ceiling, which contains asbestos. The cathedral will be open throughout the building work.