The pipe organ is experiencing a rebirth in Grand Rapids, Michigan!
 
The organ in Park Congregational church was rebuilt and expanded by the
Moller company in 1991 to 104 ranks.  As I understand it, this organ
previously consisted of a mixture of Moller and E.M. Skinner pipework.  A
severe fire several years ago (during the 80s) caused the church to rebuild
and expand what was left of the old instrument.  Several of the E.M. Skinner
solo stops (Flauto Mirabilis, English Tuba, Gamba Celeste, French Horn,
English Horn, and others) survived the fire and are included in the new organ
along with a Skinner Flute Celeste.  The Great, Swell, Positov, and Choir
divisions are located at the front of the church while the Solo division is
located in the rear of the sanctuary, above the ceiling, and speaks through a
grate into the sanctuary.  A gallery organ is found on the back wall along
with a Trompette en Chamade.  All of the new Moller pipework blends together
well.  The diapason choruses are quite cohesive and are not screamy or
overpowering.  A new four manual console located near the front of the
sanctuary controls all 104 ranks.
 
Organist Carlo Curley played a concert at Park Church on November 27, 1992.
The program consisted of the following:
 
 
A Surprise (a theme from the New World Symphony arranged by Curley)
Imperial March                    Edward Elgar
Three Noels                       Alexander Guilmant
     Noel Polonais
     Noel Carcassonnais
     Noel Languedocien
 
Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor  J.S. Bach
Trio Sonata No. 6 in G Major      J.S. Bach
     Vivace - Lento - Allegro
 
March from "Tannhauser"           Richard Wagner
                                  arr. Carlo Curley
 
Interlude in C                    Sir Walford Davies
 
Introduction & Trumpet Tune in D  John Stanley
 
First Movement "Allegro" from     Louis Vie
rne
   Symphony II
 
Nimrod from "Enigma Variations"   Edward Elgar
 
March Militaire Francaise from    Camille Saint-Saens
   "Suit Algerienne"
 
Encores:  March Militaire         Franz Schubert
 
          To A Wild Rose          Edward McDowell
 
 
The church was packed for this concert -- approximately 900 people attended.
 
Every year, around Thanksgiving,  Carlo Curley performs at a local church to
large audiences.  In 1990, approximately 1300 people attended the inaugural
concert of an 88 rank Allen organ in Holland, Michigan.
 
A concert titled "Battle of the Organs" was held in Central Reformed Church
on March 20, 1992.  Lyn Larsen played an Allen MDS Theatre III organ while
Curley performed on the 5 manual, 80 rank Schantz - Dial pipe organ.
Particularly memorable pieces from this concert include "March Militaire" by
Schubert and the "William Tell Overture" by Rossini.  This concert drew an
audience of approximately 700 people.
 
Other news from Grand Rapids:
 
A 32 rank Wurlitzer theater organ, built in 1929, is in the process of being
restored for installation in the auditorium of the new public museum being
built.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
David
 Engelsma
Grand Rapids, MI
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