Casavant Organ
Central Lutheran is blessed to have many fine musical instruments. Our landmark 1963 Casavant organ, one of the largest in the Twin Cities, is heard every week in worship. The rear gallery also houses a small Van Daalen tracker organ.
A Historic Instrument
Central’s principal organ was built by Casavant Frères, Lté in 1963 (opus 2722). One of the largest in the twin cities, it consists of 78 speaking stops and 107 ranks. The five divisions contain 5,781 pipes. The great, positiv, and pedal divisions are free-standing, located behind the altar. Expressive divisions are contained in the arches at either side of the chancel, swell at the left and choir at the right.
The organ was designed by Lawrence Phelps, the tonal director at Casavant at the time. (The Casavant company has a long and rich history, having gone through many different stylistic periods under different tonal directors.) Highly versatile, the organ is equally at home playing hymns, accompanying choral anthems, or playing solo organ repertoire. It is a compelling combination of 1960s neo-baroque tonal design with an uncharacteristically broad tonal palate for a neo-baroque organ. This is arguably some of Phelps’ finest work, and we take very seriously the preservation of this landmark instrument which will continue to serve the congregation for decades to come.
Casavant Repair and Restoration Project
We have an amazing musical treasure in our 1963 Casavant organ. With an uncharacteristically broad tonal palate for its time, it plays repertoire from many centuries with ease. However, it has been experiencing some major issues, relating both to winter dryness and electrical systems. The work required to address them will be a significant, years-long process.
On November 12, 2023 the congregation voted to approve the design contract, not to exceed $350,000. We anticipated design taking around 12 months. The Organ Committee identified Richards, Fowkes and Co. to complete the design process. They visited several times in 2024 and developed an executive summary and a 3-D model, which was shared with the Organ Committee and the congregation in February 2024.
The next steps in the Casavant Renewal Project will involve congregational approval and then construction. More updates are coming soon!
