It's quite heartening to see such a chapel, maintained with such artistic integrity, and containing what appears to be an enviable instrument. It also bodes well for the Church that it happens to be a seminary chapel. Bravo to all concerned and responsible!
Gleaned from the online announcement: It was built by A.E. Schlueter Pipe Organ Company in Georgia, 39 ranks and 2,156 pipes along with four divisions: Great, Swell, Choir, and Pedal.
That is correct. I was going to wait until I had all the specifics were posted on either the seminary or builder's website, but since we are getting close to the concert date, I thought it was best to make the announcement.
The organ is to be featured in the December Issue of the American Organist.
The chapel alone would be worth a visit. If you go to the seminary's home page, you can download a copy of the Herald, which has more photos and a brief article I wrote about the organ.
Magnificent. This is the third pipe organ as far as I know, to be placed in Catholic seminaries in the last two years, including our Ross King at Holy Trinity.
Earl, a question: is the console downstairs? Looks great. I just wondered about layout since the organ is, what, twice as large as the old one by ranks? Looks like you might be able to fit the schola under the cantilevered parts of the case. Very beautiful, and such an incredible transformation. You should post "before" pictures of the sanctuary, etc. It doesn't even look like the same room! Congrats!
No, the console is in the gallery as well. However, when they took the photos for AO it had not yet been hoisted, so the console photos are on the main floor staged in front of the altar--partly to show more images of the chapel.
In terms of floor space, it is limited, but the footprint of the new organ is identical to the old organ. The old organ was all on one level, but the new is stacked vertically, essentially doubling its size.
I typically have around 16 singers. There will be enough standing room between the console and the back wall and between the two towers. If the choir grows they could stand under the cantilevered section as well, though that won't be ideal for the choral ensemble.
I'll try to post some more photos later. Too busy right now. I'm happy to show it off this summer, we'll just need to work out transportation from the colloquium.
Actually, there are four new organs in Catholic seminaries, I can't remember where the fourth is. But there was an article on the AGO mag about one of them.
No digital stops. Some practical extensions, a couple ranks that end at tenor C and an acoustic resultant 32, but all wind-blown pipes. The console does have MIDI capability, but I see no practical use for it at the present time other than record/playback to listen to my own registrations in the room (during rehearsal).
St. John's Seminary in Brighton, MA just restored, renovated, and expanded their Hook & Hastings. That could be one of the ones your thinking of. Featured in TAO in October, I think.
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