The Basilica of our Lady Queen of Ireland, Knock, Co. Mayo.

Knock, in County Mayo, is home to one of the most famous shrines of the Catholic Church: The Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Ireland. In 1988 we were privileged to build a 3 manual and pedal custom organ for this imposing building. This organ has been used almost daily since it’s installation nearly twenty years ago and has been heard by thousands of pilgrims who travel there each year.

Hexagonal in shape, the building seats 5000 but can accommodate 7000 for special occasions. The altar forms the centrepiece, from which radiates five chapels, each seating 1000. The organ and choir occupy a part of one of these chapels. Our main preoccupation at that time was to provide an even and adequate volume throughout the vast building that we achieved by mounting a full audio system high up in the roof of each chapel.

John Aldridge, the Organist and Director of Music, paid a courtesy visit and heard one of our latest organs. Despite his enthusiasm for the original organ in the Basilica, he was - to say the least - impressed and enquired whether we could convert the existing instrument. Of course we could. However, on his return to Ireland, and after consultations with the Church Authorities, they decided on an entirely new instrument.

The organ is again a three-manual drawstop, though slightly smaller than the original. We also decided on a new approach for the audio layout. We knew we could provide adequate volume, but felt that instead of equal sound coverage in each of the five chapels, the one housing the organ should dominate to give a more focal point of sound. The audio (all concealed) in this chapel was greatly increased, but the volume in the other four chapels was reduced to about 10% of the original. The effect is much more natural. There is no doubt where the sound is coming from but even the softest stops can be heard anywhere in the building.

The new layout has enabled us to provide separate audio for the choir organ, giving the choir extra support instead of relying on the same volume as the congregation. The Great and Choir speakers (from opposite sides of the chapel) speak horizontally on the dividing walls of the chapel to reflect around the church. The Swell speakers speak upwards - giving a realistic effect of a confined Swell as if it is coming from a swell box. The opportunity was also taken to include a sub-bass unit. The 32ft Subbass was, at John Aldridge’s request, set at a low level so that it can be used with the Swell Celestes (box closed) - a most spine-chilling sound! There is also a 32ft reed which makes no pretence at delicacy!

The installation, which took our team the best part of a week, allowed time to incorporate many features of the new design. Wind slump for example was introduced to the 32ft Subbass, to give a delay in attack. You could almost see the pipes! The 8ft Great Diapason sample was changed to a new one, impeccably taken from a vintage Hill circa 1900. The effect was unbelievable and made us appreciate even more the artistry of some of our illustrious forbears. Although every note of every stop was carefully regulated before the installation, it was a salutary lesson in how these large buildings can affect the acoustics. The number of alterations were staggering!

“We are more than pleased with the new organ. It makes beautiful music that fills the huge Basilica, it greatly enriches our liturgies, and I have no doubt that it gives fitting glory and praise to God. Congratulations and thanks to all concerned.”
Msgr. Quinn, Knock Parish Priest.

“The new Wyvern technology together with the positioning of the Great, Swell, Choir and Pedal speakers has added a sparkle and brilliance to our ceremonies. The combined effect is truly stunning.”
John Aldridge, Director of Sacred Music, Knock Shrine.

“New organ at Knock Basilica is something special.

While rambling through the Shrine last week, I happened to come upon my old friend, John Aldridge, the Shrine’s Director of Music and Resident Organist. John, who knows a thing or two about music and musical instruments, was extremely excited and indeed proud of the latest addition to the Basilica – namely a brand new specially commissioned organ. The kind gentleman that he is, John showed me the new musical instrument and demonstrated just how fine and excellent the new Basilica organ was.

The new organ, manufactured by Wyvern Organs is certainly a treat to hear and listen to. With a new speaker set-up, whereby the various departments of the instrument are instantly identifiable to the listener, the overall sound is altogether magnificent. Truly impressive!”

Extract from the Connaught Telegraph of June 25th 2003