Exeter & District Organists' Association
Welcome to the website of Exeter and District Organists` Association. The organisation has been in existence for over a century and has around 100 members. The Association exists for those who have an enthusiasm for the `King of Instruments` and its music, and a programme of events in organised throughout each year, including organ visits (locally and further afield), educational and social events. An informative and interesting newsletter is produced on a regular basis (the Cornopean) and there is a convivial annual dinner. New members can be assured of a warm welcome.
Nigel Guthrie (President 2025-26)
Nigel Guthrie (President 2025-26)
Exeter & district organs
Devon is well supplied with fine organs in a variety of sizes and styles. The wonderful Father Willis instruments at Exeter Cathedral, St Peter’s Tiverton (see below), St Michael & All Angel’s Great Torrington and St Mary’s Totnes come to mind; in a contemporary classical style are the instruments by Goetze & Gwynn at St John the Baptist, Marldon and by William Drake at St John’s, Totnes.
From the 1920s is the Harrison & Harrison instrument in The Holy Cross, Crediton and, at a more intimate level, historic house organs at Exeter Cathedral, Killerton House, Powderham Castle, and Sidholme Music Room.
There are many other fine instruments, especially in Tavistock and the built up areas of Plymouth and Torbay.
The William Drake organ works are nearby at Buckfastleigh and Michael Farley’s organ works are at Budleigh Salterton.
Membership 2025
Membership entitles you to participate in our events; to receive a copy of the quarterly Cornopean Newsletter, to go on our mailing list when local deputy organists are required, and to receive Organists Review (published by the Incorporated Association of Organists) at a discount price. Annual membership costs £20 per year (students £10). Please click this link to download a Membership Application & Renewal Form.
PipeUp Devon
A recent development has been our support of PipeUp Devon.
This is a scheme to support young organists in Devon with subsidised organ tuition from experienced teachers.
PipeUp Devon is run on behalf of the Diocese of Exeter by a team of four local organists, headed by Andrew Millington (formerly Organist of Exeter Cathedral) and assisted by Ian Curror (formerly Organist, The Royal Hospital, Chelsea), Peter King (Organist Emeritus, Bath Abbey) and Mark Perry (formerly Head Master, St Peter’s School, Exeter).
The project is supported by grants from the Ouseley Church Music Trust, St Wilfrid’s Trust and the EDOA.
After an initial period further funding will be needed.
For more information please click here or contact the PipeUp Devon Administrator Mark Perry at pipeupdevon@exeter.anglican.org
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A pupil (then aged 10 from Exeter Cathedral School) playing at a PipeUp Devon event in Topsham Parish Church late 2018