OPERA 74 will notch up a "first" when they stage their production of Gounod's Faust in May. For the first time the Albert Halls organ will be used in a staged production at the venue. The organ has been used during concerts, but Opera 74 believe it has not been incorporated in a production such as Faust.

The organ will be used in the dramatic church scene in Act 4 and, again, in the Holy Angels trio and finale of the opera in Act 5.

Opera 74's repetiteure, Ada Finch, an organist by profession will be playing.

Unique

She has played Manchester Cathedral's organ and the unique Cavalle Col organ in the Parr Hall Warrington.

She is currently organist at Alexandra Road Methodist Church, Peel Green.

Judith Stamford produces, Paul Payton is the musical director and Clare Unsworth plays Siebel.

The organ was installed at the Albert Halls in 1985 after the original organ was destroyed by fire in 1981. The remarkable feature about the organ is that it is entirely mechanical with no electrical linkages between the keys and the values that allow air to flow into the metal tubes. The keys are directly linked to the valves by cedar rods.

The familiar figures in the organ which look like alabaster, but are made of timber, were salvaged from the old organ and restored. Opera 74's production of Faust will be staged on May 13, 14 and 15.

From April 11, tickets will be available from 01204 592064.

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