Trinity Church in Manhattan has completed the installation of a new Glatter-Götz/Rosales pipe organ, concluding a 10-year effort to replace the instrument damaged during the Sept. 11 attacks. The new organ, which contains 8,041 pipes, will be used in the church that has been in existence for more than 300 years, according to Gothamist.
Melissa Attebury, Trinity’s music director, described the impressive sight of organ pipes, some as long as 32 feet, being transported through New York’s Financial District. What sets this organ apart is not only its size but also its craftsmanship. Avi Stein, the church’s associate organist and chorusmaster, told Gothamist that there has been a slight revival in organ building in New York City, referring to it as “a mini golden age of organ-building.”
To mark the arrival of the new instrument, Trinity Church is presenting 'PIPES,' a concert series featuring the organ’s capabilities. The lineup includes performers and composers such as Anna Lapwood, David Hurd, and Trinity’s Avi Stein. As detailed by Trinity Church’s announcement, the performances are designed to demonstrate the organ’s dynamic range across a variety of musical styles.
The organ's debut concert on September 14 features the British organist Anna Lapwood, and will include the world premiere of Eunike Tanzil’s "Nimbus." Melissa Attebury expressed excitement about the series, telling the church's news release, "I am thrilled to celebrate this monumental instrument and look forward to planning music usually heard with orchestra transcribed for organ."
Trinity Church has a history of integrating worship with musical performances, and the new Glatter-Götz/Rosales organ will be included in upcoming events. A series of performances featuring the organ is scheduled to continue into the new year.
