A NEW Zealand music professor whose pipe organ was damaged in a devastating earthquake is making the most of Hay-on-Wye’s magnificent Bevington Organ instead.

Canterbury University associate Martin Setchell has only been back to Christchurch Town Hall and his beloved instrument there briefly since the tragedy killed 181 people in February.

Back then many organs were destroyed or left unplayable, while three organ builders also lost their lives removing a damaged instrument from a church nearby.

Professor Setchell has been using his musical expertise to raise money for an organ building trust fund set up by the widow of one of the men that died.

He brings a collection of salon organ songs from the late 1800s to St Mary’s Church tomorrow (Friday) at 7.30pm.

“I am especially pleased to be giving a concert on this Bevington since I first met this wonderful organ while it was in its original church in Holmer,”he said.

“That such a remarkable instrument has been preserved thanks to your local efforts is wonderful.”

Tickets are available on the door.