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Pipes, Pedals and Peals

Updated: November 22, 2017 by admin

“Why preserve this glorious instrument? Because it is unique and irreplaceable…Listening to the transcendent sound of this 19th century American masterpiece will take us where we need to be.”
—Martin Scorsese

Happy 75th Birthday

Click to give Martin Scorsese a timeless musical gift for his 75th birthday!

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Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today. We need your help to raise $2 million to keep this iconic national treasure alive.

Your financial support helps us fund the Erben’s restoration, as well as educational and performance programming for people of all ages.

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Donation Total: $25.00

A Community for Music and the Arts

The Friends of the Erben Organ (“FREO”) is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation dedicated to the restoration, preservation, and appreciation of the 1868 Henry Erben pipe organ and the 1859 Hall & Labagh pipe organ located in the Basilica of Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral, located in the NoLIta section of SoHo in Manhattan.

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About Us

The Erben organ is a living artistic and technological masterpiece. It represents the finest extant work of New York City organbuilder Henry Erben (1800-1884).

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Your financial support helps us fund the Erben’s restoration, as well as performance and educational programming around this American musical treasure.

Education

Our hands-on, minds-on education programs combine science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). The organ is a magnificent amalgam of art and science.

A History of Music at the Basilica

There are few places in New York City that can claim such a wonderful, deep history of music making. When the Cathedral was built, it was located amid woodlands and fields. In 1815, the city had the cultural sophistication of a small colonial outpost, lagging far behind other cities in America, and it struggled for an artistic position that matched its burgeoning commercial might.

First Annual San Gennaro Organ Recital

Updated: October 18, 2017 by Jared Lamenzo

Some zeppoli or cannoli with your Frescobaldi? The Friends of the Erben Organ presented its first annual San Gennaro Organ Recital on September 15, 2017 to accompany the 91st annual Feast of San Gennaro. Kevin Birch,… Read More

Double Open Diapason demonstation of facade pipes

Sistine Choir Tours Erben Organ

Updated: October 17, 2017 by Jared Lamenzo

The Sistine Chapel Choir, known as the Pope’s choir, visited the United States for the first time in 30 years in September 2017; as part of its historic concert tour, the choir visited the Basilica and the Erben organ.

Catholic New York: At Music Camp at Old St. Patrick’s, Children Learn About Historic Pipe Organ

Updated: October 17, 2017 by admin

At the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in Lower Manhattan, Polina Maller, 11, took a few moments from her violin lesson to talk about her appreciation for music.

Private Tours

Private tours and organ demonstrations are offered to people of all ages. People from all over the world continue to discover and love the distinct American sound of the Erben. While Jared plays, you can step inside the instrument for a behind-the-scenes look at this 19th-century pneumatic computer in action!

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Friends of the Erben Organ

Pipes, Pedals and Peals

Organ Video