Category: Fundraising

On the evening of Monday 29^th September, St Giles’ was proud to open its doors and welcome almost 100 friends and supporters of our church to a ceremony celebrating the formal signing of a contract with Mascioni, the company tasked with building a new pipe organ for our church. This ceremony was an important milestone in Project 900, an initiative launched to celebrate our church’s 900 years as a place of worship in Oxford, and to lay the foundations for its future as a vibrant and thriving Christian community.

The signing ceremony (click for enlargements)

The evening consisted of a jolly programme of wine, canapés and music – the latter supplied by our talented young musicians Shaun, William, Mia and Andrew. The musical display was a fine tribute to the work our Director of Music, Nicholas Prozzillo, has carried out over almost 15 years at our church; work which builds upon that of his predecessors, in particular Andrew Patterson, Cynthia Hall, and Peter Ward-Jones.

The contract was signed by the Vicar and Churchwardens on behalf of St Giles’, and by Andrea Mascioni on behalf of his company – one of the oldest organ workshops in Europe. The company has passed through six generations of the Mascioni family since its foundation in 1829. At their workshops in northern Italy, nearly 200 years of tradition goes hand-in-hand with technology and progress. Mascioni’s years of experience, depth of expertise, and appreciation of the world of English organ-building make them the ideal company to build the organ that we expect to accompany the celebrations of our church’s thousandth year.

We at St Giles’ are extremely grateful to everybody who came together to make this ceremony a success, and to all those who have dedicated themselves over the years to Project 900. We would like to thank the four chairs of Project 900 who guided this ambitious undertaking to its current success (all of whom were present for Monday’s celebrations): Mrs Veronica Warner, Mr Jonathan Mitchell, Professor John Chelsom, and Mr Andy Lewin.

The project has received generous backing from national and local charitable organisations, including the Garfield Weston Foundation, the P F Charitable Trust, and the Adrian Swire Charitable Trust and from individuals through the Sponsor a Pipe scheme.  We are very grateful to all those who have supported us.  Fundraising efforts continue, with opportunities for individuals to sponsor pipes or contribute directly to the legacy of musical education in Oxford.

Mascioni Organs

Mascioni Organs, established in 1829, has built, restored and maintained instruments of all sizes the world over. At their workshops in northern Italy, nearly 200 years of tradition goes hand-in-hand with technology and progress. And for six generations, the Mascioni family have passed on old skills and vigorously pursued the new. Mascioni has constructed over 1,200 organs since its inception, including significant instruments in churches and cathedrals such the Cathedral of Florence. The company is known for its unique tonal qualities and the ability to adapt to various architectural settings, ensuring that each organ complements its environment.

Mascioni’s connection to British organ building adds a special resonance to this collaboration. Andrea Mascioni, the company’s president, began his apprenticeship at Mander Organs in London, gaining hands-on experience in reed construction and restoration before returning to Italy to lead the family firm. Foreign Representative Andrew Jolliffe brings further British expertise, having worked with leading UK organ builders including Willis, Mander, and Kenneth Tickell before embarking on a distinguished career in communications and then returning to organs.

Andrea Mascioni, president of Mascioni Organs, says: “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.”