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THE BRITISH INSTITUTE OF ORGAN STUDIES
Encouraging and promoting the study of the pipe organ
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BIOS News & Events
New to the HOSA YouTube channel
The BIOS Historic Organ Sound Archive (HOSA) continues to grow. The latest addition to the YouTube collection is the 1755 Snetzler organ now at Clare College in Cambridge and restored by the William Drake company. (NPOR A01068). Dr Anna Steppler plays music by Eliza Turner, Maurice Greene, Ignatius Sancho, Elisabetta de Gambarini and G F […] read more
Richard Hird
Richard D. Hird MA MRTPI LTCL had a number of roles in the UK organ world and died a few days ago. He was active in several organisations as well as BIOS. For many years he was the BIOS Honorary Treasurer and also built and managed the website BIOS used until 2012. By profession he […] read more
New listings of Historic Organs
The January meeting of the BIOS Council approved three new Historic Organ Listings. Upper Slaughter, St Peter, 1855 J Walker [D01288]: Grade II A surviving, characteristic example of an organ from 1855 by a prominent builder at a period of transition in British organ building. Harby, St Mary 1808 Elliot, 1874 Lloyd [K01581]: Grade II […] read more
RIP John Norman
BIOS is very sorry to notify the death of John Norman, for many years a trustee and Council Member of BIOS, and for several years also its chairman and until quite recently, its webmaster. That he held Honorary Life Membership of BIOS is an indication of the huge amount we owe to him. All of […] read more
Bernard Edmonds Research Conference 2025
Saturday February 22nd 2025 – 10.30 for 11.00 The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, 200, Jennens Road, Birmingham B3 7XR The Bernard Edmonds Research Conference will take place in February at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. We are most grateful to Daniel Moult, Head of Organ Studies (and BIOS member) for arranging this. Our meeting will take place […] read more
Holdich’s book of watercolours
BIOS has recently purchased a document for the British Organ Archive. It is an album of ephemera relating to the work and life of George Maydwell Holdich (1816-1896), including specifications, watercolours and letters, etc. The watercolours are finely executed, showing interesting detail. They cover the period 1838 to 1845. It is not clear exactly what […] read more
The National Pipe Organ Register
The NPOR comprises surveys of pipe organs in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The database includes organ specifications, photographs, sound recordings, builders, and historical sources. The NPOR is a free service provided for everyone interested in the organ and its history.
BIOS Guidance
Care and Conservation
Well-made organs will give excellent service for many years provided they are properly cared for. It is not uncommon to find organs functioning efficiently after a century or more, with only occasional cleaning and minor repairs. An organ is a valuable resource. The following pages suggest which instruments may be worthy of preservation, and indicates […] read more
Sound Advice – Care of your Organ
A valuable resource The organ is usually the largest item of furniture in a church. Its prime purpose is to support singing, both of a choir and of the whole congregation. Mozart called the organ ‘The King of Instruments’. It commands both the widest range of pitch of all instruments and also the widest range […] read more
A Guide to Grants
For funding work on historic pipe organs (13th edition) The grant scene is constantly changing. Although we hope the current advice remains applicable, readers will need to pursue their own enquiries, and BIOS can take no responsibility for the absolute accuracy of this guide. Please note that BIOS itself can give only advice, not actual […] read more
Featured Publications
BIOS publishes an annual Journal, a quarterly newsletter, and books on British organbuilders or aspects of British pipe organ history.
Join 500+ members
BIOS is a society made by and responsible to its members. The organ and its music – the largest of all solo repertoires – continually attract much interest, technical skill and intelligent musicianship, so the Society looks forward to a growing membership, and would welcome you.