Christ Church Cathedral will host a by-donation concert this Saturday, featuring a world-premiere adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite—a noteworthy event in its own right.
The performance also marks the beginning of the Year of the Organ, a year-long series of concerts and events celebrating the 20th anniversary of the cathedral’s iconic pipe organ.
“We’ve been gradually putting the pieces in place to mark the organ’s anniversary,” said Donald Hunt, the cathedral’s director of music. “We’re planning a concert featuring the organ at least once a month throughout 2025.”
This anniversary celebration is certainly one to remember. As Hunt explained, “It’s the largest mechanical-action organ of its kind on the West Coast of Canada.” Unlike most modern organs that use wiring to connect the pipes, this one employs the traditional method of levers and pulleys, despite being built in 2005.
Designed and constructed by Hellmuth Wolff of Quebec, the organ is a remarkable piece of engineering, particularly when compared to the instrument it replaced. The previous British-made organ, which had been rebuilt twice—once in 1957 and again in 1980—had been in place since 1872. Wolff’s instrument, costing $2.2 million and taking 30 months to build, boasts over 4,000 pipes that rise above the Quadra Street entrance of the cathedral.
The project was a monumental effort made possible through a multi-year fundraising campaign. “It’s a super special instrument,” Hunt shared. “When the fundraising was underway, the idea was that this wouldn’t just be a church organ for Sunday services; it would be a musical gift to the whole city. Over the past 20 years, it has lived up to that mission.”
Weighing around 20 tons, the organ is housed in a free-standing mahogany case that envelops those qualified to play it. This includes Hunt, who leads the cathedral’s choir and handles administration, and Mark McDonald, the cathedral’s assistant director of music.
McDonald, who holds both a master’s and a doctorate in organ and harpsichord performance from McGill University, began writing a new adaptation of Nutcracker Suite for two organists several years ago. The adaptation is now complete, and McDonald and Hunt will perform it together for the world premiere this Saturday, with McDonald handling most of the pedals and both organists playing the keys.
The program will also feature Victoria tenor Benjamin Butterfield, as well as KlaVIERhands, featuring pianists Wendy Stofer and Jane Edler-Davis. Hunt emphasized that such unique programming is a priority for the cathedral. “These events are attracting a broad cross-section of people in Victoria, not just cathedral members.”
One major benefit of the Year of the Organ is that it will help maintain Wolff’s renowned instrument. With over 4,000 pipes and numerous moving parts, the organ requires regular maintenance to ensure it stays in top shape. “Like replacing the roof on your house every 20 years, the organ needs a thorough cleaning and adjustments every two decades,” said Hunt. “That’s a $150,000 job.”
Concerts such as the one on Saturday will help offset the maintenance costs. Hunt is committed to offering exceptional programming, both for cathedralgoers and the general public, with the organ playing a central role. “There is absolutely nothing like this organ in the city. It’s a vital piece of cultural infrastructure.”
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