Repair works on the organ of St. John's Co-Cathedral

An Italian firm recently carried out repair works on the Grand Organ at St. John's Co-Cathedral.

The Grand Organ built by the firm Vincenzo Mascioni of Cuvio, Varese in 1961, is probably the best of its kind on the Maltese Islands, and has become a kind of national institution. This beautiful musical instrument has been praised by the numerous world-celebrated organists, who gave recitals in St John's Co-Cathedral, which are attended both by Maltese and foreign concert-goers. It is one of Malta's prime cultural assets.

Like all major organs of its class, it needs periodic overhauls. The last one carried out for the St John's Co-Cathedral Grand Organ dates back to November 1993. In June 1996, prior to a recital by Prof Francesco Finotti, attention was drawn to some problems that had since emerged, particularly regarding the intonation of some of the stops, these being highly sensitive to temperature changes.

The matter was referred to the Museums Department, who had commissioned the 1993 general rehaul. Again the firm of Italian makers were contracted and agreement was reached for the necessary repairs to be carried out. Thanks to the prompt approval of the Minister of Education and National Culture, the Grand Organ at St John's Co-Cathedral was returned to perfect working condition by 10th September 1997.