For centuries, organists have almost all been male, and the magnificent instruments from which rich and vibrant sound emerges have reflected that.
Now a campaign has been launched for adjustable organ benches to be installed to help the growing number of female organists to reach the instrument’s pedals without risking back pain or even toppling forwards.
The Society of Women Organists (SWO) says adjustable benches would increase opportunities for women and young people to play.
Two-thirds of almost 500 respondents to a recent SWO survey said they did not have an adjustable bench at their usual venue, and almost half said the lack of one had affected their performance.
One said: “Benches and the organs themselves being so big make me feel inadequate or not the right sort of person to play the organ sometimes.” Another said organ-playing frequently resulted in backache.
Cathedrals and larger churches usually have fully adjustable benches, according to the SWO. But many smaller churches – where female organists are more likely to be found – have a fixed-height bench that is suitable for the average man but too high for the average woman.
The average male height in the UK is 5ft 9in, and the average female height is 5ft 3in. Men make up 90% of permanent directors of music and organists in English and Welsh cathedrals.
Marion Lees McPherson (5ft 3in), of the Edinburgh Society of Organists, said the lack of adjustable benches had put her off learning the organ as a teenager. She later returned to the instrument, which she has now been playing for 35 years.
“The organ world has always been male-dominated and stuck in its ways,” she said. “You have to use your feet when you play, so it’s a huge problem – and especially difficult if you’re asked to play at a wedding or funeral or concert at an unfamiliar venue.
“You have to balance on the edge of the bench, and hold on with your core strength to stop you falling flat on the keys. High heels can help. It’s always been something we’ve had to put up with, but we’re hoping to get people to speak out, to say this is unsatisfactory.”
Sir Andrew Parmley, the director of the Royal College of Organists, gave his “hearty support” to the campaign, saying it aimed to “ensure equal access to the organ irrespective of a person’s height”.
Katelyn Emerson, an international concert organist, said the campaign could “help the organ to become more accessible to and help prevent injuries in players of all heights”.
The SWO, which was set up in 2019 and now has 204 members, said fully adjustable benches cost about £1,800 but cheaper solutions were available.
