ORGANS IN EDMONTON

Vince Anderson

In September 1997 when the Winspear Centre for Music opened, crowds were wowed when they entered the state of the art, near acoustically perfect performance hall. All eyes were drawn to the stage and the curious ‘hole’ in the back wall. Many could see a pipe organ in that niche.

Five years later, that dream came true with the inaugural concert of the Davis Concert Organ.

Built by Letourneau Pipe Organs/Orgues Letourneau Limitee, the organ, entered the realm of possibility with a $2 million gift from Dr. Stuart G. Davis in memory of his late wife, Winona.

With 96 stops, 122 ranks, 6551 pipes, 256 levels of memory and a case of solid oak, The Davis Concert Organ is one of the largest pipe organs in Canada and a much sought after instrument in the international organ community. The organ is showcased by RCCO Edmonton in their annual concert series Organic – Organ in Concert.

Some other interesting facts about the Davis are:

  • The metal pipes are made of lead and tin; the wooden pipes of yellow poplar
  • The largest pipe is 45 centimetres across, more than 11 metres high and weighs more than 400 kilograms. The smallest is about the size of a refill for a ball-point pen. It took 2 years to build.
  • A four-manual and pedal low-profile electric-slider key action console attached to the main case, at the upper level. An identical console on a moveable platform at stage level
  • A solid-state combination system with a digital sequencer
  • The organ is powered by four blower motors supplying 25 horsepower in total

An endowment fund ensures maintenance and upkeep on the organ and helps support musical performances involving the Davis Concert Organ.

Specifications

Is there an organ in Edmonton you would like to know more about? Let us know by contacting us by email at: rcco@rcco.edmonton.ab.ca.

A Panoramic view from behind the main console

The organ nameplate

The organ console from above

Detail view of a transverse rank

Front view of the console and case

Detail view of the large pipes and decoration

The small pipes comprising one of the Mixtures

© Copyright - RCCO Edmonton - (Royal Canadian College of Organists)