The Chapel of Christ of Alleyn’s College of God’s Gift
Gallery Road, Dulwich, SE21 7AD
Sunday 17 May, 2026. 3pm
THE ROARING (16)20s
Andrew Benson-Wilson, organ
The 1620’s saw an enormous burst of organ music publications throughout Europe. This recital features some of the organ music published in, or from manuscripts dated from, the 1620s, from composers such as Frescobaldi, Sweelinck, Cosyn, Titelouze, Bull, Steigleder, Correa de Arauxo, and Scheidt.
The organ of The Chapel of Christ of Alleyn’s College of God’s Gift is William Drake’s 2009 restoration of the 1760 George England organ. The College and Chapel itself was founded in 1616, a few years before the 1620’s started to roar!
Admission free – retiring collection
Post-concert refreshments
Organ details here
The Chapel and College adjoin the Dulwich Art Gallery
Free street parking
Christ’s Chapel of Alleyn’s College of God’s Gift in Dulwich was consecrated 400 years ago, in 1616. The chapel and adjoining almshouses were the first of the charity foundations set up by the wealthy actor, Edward Alleyn, owner of the manor of Dulwich. Shortly afterwards, the foundation’s status as a educational college was confirmed, leading to the present day Dulwich College.
time the Chapel’s first organ was installed. In 1760 it was replaced by a new organ by George England which, despite the usual additions and alterations over the years, still survives with a considerable amount of mid- 18th century pipework and a fine Gothick case. In 2009 it was restored back to its 1760 state (with modest additions) by the UK’s leading specialist on historic organs, William Drake. The original pitch (A430) and modified fifth-comma meantone temperament was restored. It is now one of the most important historic instruments in the UK.
Andrew Benson-Wilson : Early Music Reviews + 