This past week, Phase One of our organ project became a reality. (Read more about the organ project here, with detailed explanations of Phase One and Two.) A large truck from Sound/Organ Design arrived in our parking lot. Inside the vehicle was a new console, professional-grade speakers, and supporting electronic gear. The old Viscount organ console was removed, and the new one installed. From Italy to Orange The new console has had quite a journey! It was constructed in Italy, and then shipped via container freight to New York City. From there it went to a warehouse in Kentucky. And finally the console arrived in Orange, Virgina. Moving in Getting the new console up to organ loft was no mean feat! Part of the challenge was the narrowness of the staircase. This limited the number of people who could help with the moving. And remember -- the old console had to come out the same way. Refurbishing the loft New wiring had to be run up to the organ loft to support the new electronic instrument. Once the electronics are installed, the Sound/Organ Design team will work on the sound. The goal is to optimize the sound quality for the space. And to ensure that speaker placement is correct to generate the appropriate sound field. Not done yet! This is only the first part of this extensive project. When the old console was removed, the pipe organ fell silent. There are no keyboard manuals to send air through the pipes. Phase Two involves reconnecting the over 1,100 pipes in the loft with the new console. The mechanisms that regulate air in the pipes will be replaced with modern upgrades. Ancient wiring will be replaced. The pipes will be cleaned and returned. And in the end, the organist will have the full power of the new speakers plus the glorious sound of the refurbished acoustic pipes at their disposal. We need your help Phase One has been paid for in full. But the organ fund balance has only a fraction of what's needed for Phase Two. Please consider contributing today!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
October 2024
Categories
All
|