This is the first recording released of the newly refurbished Royal Festival Hall organ. This sell-out concert in March 2014 was part of the 'Pull Out All The Stops' festival launching the refurbished Harrison and Harrison organ, complete for the first time since 2005. The sense of occasion in this live recording is palpable.

From the first earth-shattering chord of the Poulenc, it is clear that this is an instrument of hugely impressive proportions. The thrilling finale of the Saint-Saëns in particular showcases the organ’s resonant bass, the packed Royal Festival Hall vibrating to its core.

In the adept hand of conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Saint-Saëns Symphony demonstrates how well this huge instrument integrates with the orchestra – always a challenge in live recordings. There is an amazing transparency of sound between organ and orchestra, and a sense of space that allows the music to breathe naturally.

Soloist James O’Donnell, Organist and Master of Music at Westminster Abbey, has received numerous awards and honours for his recordings, including the Gramophone Award for ‘Record of the Year’ in 1998 for his recording of Masses by Martin and Pizzetti for Hyperion.

The booklet includes full organ specification and an article on the history and refurbishment of the organ by its curator, Dr William McVicker.

Recorded live at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, London, on 26 March 2014.