The Cathedral Organ
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The Cathedral organ is one of the largest in the city of Philadelphia, having seventy-five ranks of pipes, ninety stops and 4,648 pipes on four manuals and pedals. The first pipe organ known to have been installed in the cathedral was built by John C.B. Standbridge in 1868 at a cost of $10,000.00. It was replaced, except for the 16’ Subbass, which still plays today, by a new instrument, Opus 939, built by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford, Connecticut for a cost of $30,000.00 in 1920. The contract, signed by the Cathedral Rector Reverend Daniel Gercke, for the Austin Organ Opus 939 contained some interesting features. In the 1957 renovations it was rebuilt by the Tellers Organ Company and a new console was installed. During these renovations the organ loft was expanded to provide more room for the choir, which had been established in the 1920’s. During 1975-76 major renovations were completed on the organ in preparation for the 41st International Eucharistic Congress and the United States Bicentennial. In 1977 the Tellers console was replaced with a used Austin Console, originally built in 1922 for the Rochester Theatre. Further restoration, undertaken in 1987, included the addition of the Trumpet chamade, situated on the ceiling of the organ case. The organ is considered perfectly placed, speaking directly into the nave. Plans are underway for a new Cathedral Organ, however, the very best stops of the previous organs will be retained and restored. The organ is known only from historical sources, including a pencil sketch of the case made by the Austin Organ Company. Standbridge began building organs in 1840 and quickly gained a reputation for building exceptional pipe organs in prominent churches in Philadelphia and the surrounding area.
Click HERE for a detailed history of the Cathedral Organs in an article from TRACKER Magazine by Paul Marchesano
1920 Austin organ information
1955 Tellers organ information
1977 Bratley A. Duddy restoration information
PRESENT ORGAN STOPLIST
Concerts at the Cathedral Basilica 2012 - 2013
Donate to Cathedral Concerts
Music Staff Contact
Dr. John A. Romeri, AAGO, ChM
215-587-3696
Director of Music and Organist
Dr. Steven Ball
Artist in Residence
Mr. William Roslak
Cathedral Organ Scholar
