Johannus expands its LiVE family with the addition of the English romantic organ

The Johannus LiVE family has just welcomed its newest addition, the formidable Forster & Andrews organ from St. George’s Church in Stockport, UK.

Authentic recordings of true-to-life organs

The Johannus LiVE is a digital stereo organ that comes with sample sets that allow organists to play on dozens of international pipe organs. Each sample set comprises pure, clear recordings taken from a complete organ. When Johannus LiVE was launched in 2015, sample sets were already available from the Cavaillé Coll organ in the Église Notre-Dame d’Auteuil in Paris, the Silbermann organ in the Katholische Hofkirche in Dresden, and the Bätz organ in Utrecht’s Domkerk. Later additions include the Schnitger organ in the Ludgeri Kirche in Norden and the Maarschalkerweerd organ in the Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek in Zwolle.

Distinctive organ

With this most recent addition, the LiVE family gains another distinctive organ. Construction of the English romantic Forster & Andrews organ commenced in 1897. It features three keyboards – and even had four manuals for a few decades – and is equipped with a stoplist of 52 stops.

Resurrected from the ashes

The organ is located in Stockport, a British city close to Manchester, with a population of around 130,000. The city played an important role during the Industrial Revolution, among other things as a producer of hats. As a consequence of the increased employment, Stockport grew till it burst its seams, becoming a smoky industrial city. Following the construction of museums, beautiful squares and heritage attractions at the end of the nineteenth century, the city rose from the ashes of the Revolution. St. George’s Church was also built during this period. In the church, which can house up to 1,200 people, the organ is still frequently used to accompany part-singing, choirs and concerts.

Now in your own HOME

Thanks to Johannus LiVE, you can now play the Forster & Andrews organ from St. George’s Church in the comfort of your own home. This new sample set is now available for order from your Johannus dealer.