Chautauqua Institution

Our magnum Opus, this project consisted of the complete reconstruction of the 1907 Massey Memorial Organ housed in Chautauqua Institution's famed open-air amphitheater. This pipe organ contains 5,640 pipes and is the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world.

HISTORY

The organ was originally built by the Warren Church Organ Company of Woodstock, Ontario, Canada.  Charles Warren  was responsible for designing and building the pipe organ for Chautauqua that would be of the symphonic school of tonal design.  Mr. Warren designed an organ that would meet the musical demands of the institution and stay within the $25,000 budget.  The organ was not completed for the beginning of the 1907 season.  It was dedicated in August of that year, just slightly behind schedule.  In 1926 the organ had some major work done to it. The M. P. Möller Organ  Comapny of Hagerstown, MD was hired to replace the organ's individual note valves.  Additionally a new console was installed. This console was removable so that it could be removed and safely stored to protect it from the elements in the off-season.  As part of this project there were tonal changes made to the organ.  For details, please see the specification below.  The organ remained in this state tonally until 1972 when the Möller company was again hired to make changes to the organ.  A new movable console was installed and tonal changes made once again. 

In 1990, Chautauqua became aware that only about 50% of the organ was functional. Excessive damage to the organ's winding system and windchests coupled with the fact the the original integrity of the organ had been compromised made reconstruction and re-designing of the organ the only feasible option. Fischer Organ Company was hired to remove the entire organ from the chamber and execute the reconstruction project. All pipes were transported to Erie, Pa where they were restored.  The physical layout of the organ was redesigned to allow all pipes to speak at the level of tonal egress, directing the sound of the organ unimpeded into the Amphitheater while also creating tuning stability as all pipes are now on one level.  All new windchests, reservoirs and structure as well as a new digital multiplex system were installed in a period of eight months.  In 2002, the organ's specification was completed with the addition of the 32' Rueckert Bombard extension, named after the donor.

In the 2016-2017 off-season the 1872 Amphitheater was torn down around the organ chamber due to structural instabilities and antiquated systems and a new Amphitheater constructed.  In January of 2018, a water leak was discovered immediately above the console.  All four 1972 keyboards were damaged beyond repair.  They were replaced with new keyboards.  The organ was made playable for the 2018 season.

At the end of the 2018 season, an electrical short circuit in another part of the Amphitheater sent high voltage through the organ's control system, causing it to be damaged.  These repairs have been made and the organ continues to serve.

Fischer Pipe Organ Tuning and Service is now in its 28th consecutive year of custodial care of this magnificent instrument.