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Pipes, Pedals and Peals

Updated: November 15, 2018 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

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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.

An Erben Year in Review – 2018

Updated: December 28, 2018 by Lana Krakovskiy

Dear Friends, Thank you for making 2018 a monumental year for the Friends of the Erben Organ. Because of your support we were able to deliver historic performances, events, and educational programs that can only be… Read More

Brooklyn Organist Jared Lamenzo Brings Lost 1826 Concert Back to Life

Updated: October 8, 2018 by Lana Krakovskiy

On October 16 at 7:30, Italy’s Cagliari Opera Performs Rare 1826 Oratorio at Basilica of Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral in SoHo By Anne Marie Riccitelli For several years now, Brooklyn-based organist Jared Lamenzo has been researching… Read More

Voice of America reports on the Henry Erben Organ

Updated: September 13, 2018 by Lana Krakovskiy

Voice of America’s Elena Wolf visited the Basilica in July to report on the Erben Organ and the pressing need to raise funds for its restoration. Excerpt: “At more than a century old, a giant pipe… Read More

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