As I write this column, I have just participated in a joint concert celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Methuen Music Hall and their Walcker organ built in 1863. What a fun afternoon it was with a wide variety of music played by four pre-eminent organists and a number of excellent instrumentalists.
In August I had the honor of playing in the International Organ Festival Series of the Spreckles Organ in San Diego’s Balboa Park (our nation’s “other” municipal organ). It was wonderful to play outdoors “under the stars” to a most receptive crowd.
Earlier this year, I was invited to play the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ in Macy’s Department Store in Philadelphia. What a blast it was to play the world’s largest playable musical instrument.
Despite the thrill of playing these instruments, I am always eager to return home. I love the Kotzschmar Organ. It is a thrill to play and wonderful to hear. It has an incredible range of expression and can bring a wildly enormous range of music and styles to life. As Cyrus H.K. Curtis said in 1912, “it is a monument to one who did something to make us better men and women and to appreciate that indefinable something that is an expression of the soul.”
Each of these four instruments has been rescued and preserved by loyal “friends” organizations with dedicated and hard-working boards. These generous and devoted souls have lovingly cared for and revitalized these great musical treasures. If it were not for their tireless efforts (spanning decades upon decades) each of these instruments would be greatly diminished, if not silent. World class organists would no longer play them nor would an enthusiastic public flock to hear them.
Again, there is nowhere else than here in Portland that I am more deeply grateful for board and friends support. I proudly salute the members of the FOKO board, our dedicated staff and volunteers. Your commitment to this instrument, this community and great music is unrivaled.
With heartfelt gratitude,
—Ray Cornils, Municipal Organist
More News