Then we took the train down to Washington DC, to spend three days mainly in Art Galleries and Museums (most of which come under the umbrella of the Smithsonian). On our first afternoon (Sunday 13th) we took a bus up to Washington National Cathedral – such a grand and beautiful building – where we attended Choral Evensong.
It was a surprise to see massive steelwork at the top of the central tower, where damage from the 2011 earthquake is still being repaired.
In the Cathedral Shop is this enormous Lego model of the cathedral, which visitors can pay to enlarge by a few bricks. It will be stunning when – if – completed.
The famous Aeolian-Skinner organ is almost completely removed for rebuilding, after many years debate of what to do. A scaffolding bridge has been erected between the two sides of the organ (filling two bays). It has been dressed up to look like stone – very clever.
Evensong was accompanied by a Walker Technical digital clone of the cathedral’s pipe organ. It was exceptionally effective but so large that one wonders what its next home could possibly be. Ideally they should move it to a room somewhere, use it with headphones, and rehearse on it when the cathedral diary doesn’t permit access to the pipe organ. Every cathedral could do with just such a set-up!