The Aeolian-Skinner organ at Grinnell College has been restored and will be rededicated with three concerts the weekend of April 3–4. The organ is Aeolian-Skinner’s Opus #1091, built in 1948 at a cost of $40,000. It has 59 ranks, 48 speaking stops, in five divisions played from a three-manual console. It also had two electronic 32′ stops, which were underdeveloped and have been replaced by modern electronics; otherwise, the instrument is completely intact. It also has what is believed to be the last Harp stop Skinner installed.
There are some throwbacks to 1920s Skinner instruments such as the 4′ Triangle Flute, Clarinet, English Horn, Flute Celeste, and Diapason Chorus on the Great. There are also some new elements such as the floating Positiv and the independent Pedal with Principals 8′, 4′ and Mixture. It was originally dedicated in May, 1949, with Virgil Fox playing the dedicatory recital. The organ has undergone a complete restoration by the A. Thompson-Allen Company of New Haven, Connecticut, with Joe Dzeda and Nick Thompson-Allen doing the restoration.
On Friday, April 3 (8 pm), Kevin Bowyer presents a recital of contemporary organ music including the premier performance of a work commissioned from composer John Zorn for this event. Saturday, April 4, is the dedication recital by Paul Jacobs at 3 pm. This will include the presentation of an OHS Historic Organ Citation for the organ. Saturday, April 4, will feature a silent film accompanied by Davis Folkerts at 8 pm. All concerts will be in Herrick Chapel, 7th and Park, Grinnell, Iowa, and are free and open to the public. Linda Bryant is college organist at Grinnell. For information: [email protected].
