Goulding & Wood installed the pipe organ façade in the new Palladium Concert Hall at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana.
The 27-pipe façade of polished tin graces the front of the hall designed by David M. Schwarz Architects, Inc., with local consultation from CSO Architects. The acoustical engineering ideas of the late Russell Johnson were carried out under the leadership of Damian J. Doria of ARTEC Consultants, Inc., as one of Johnson’s final designs resulting in a 1,600-seat hall that is completely tunable for each type of performing ensemble. Behind the façade pipes is a large organ chamber and separate blower room, preparing the hall for a future organ installation.
The eleven-member crew from Goulding & Wood spent over 600 man-hours preparing and installing the pipes and supporting structure in October and November of 2010.
The pipes, taken from the 16′ Principal and 16′ Violone ranks of the organ, weigh up to 250 pounds and range in size from 15 feet 9 inches to 21 feet 9 inches. They had to be hoisted via a 45-foot scaffolding tower from the concert stage to the tone openings that spanned the third and fourth balcony levels.
The hall’s grand opening the end of January 2011 featured performances by the Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Michael Feinstein, Dionne Warwick, Chris Botti, Neil Sedaka, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Miro Quartet, and Lynn Harrell.
This installation is the latest instance of Goulding & Wood’s ongoing presence in the Indianapolis area. Future projects include the installation of the restored 1892 Sanborn organ for the Cook Grand Theatre in the new home of Indiana Landmarks (the former Central Avenue United Methodist Church), and new consoles for Roberts Park United Methodist Church and Trinity Episcopal Church, both in Indianapolis.
For information: www.gouldingandwood.com.
