Home - Friends of the Erben Organ

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 One Time

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.

Erben Organ featured on NBC’s Today Show with Craig Melvin

Posted: June 4, 2019 by Lana Krakovskiy

NBC’s Today Show – Third Hour aired on 5/13/2019 and featured Craig Melvin reporting from the Basilica. Craig learns what “pulling out all the stops” means, and gets to assist Basilica Organist and Music Director Jared… Read More

1868 Henry Erben organ in New York Times feature

Updated: June 4, 2019 by Lana Krakovskiy

We are excited to share the link to the New York Times feature from the 4/18/2019 Arts section: “The Secrets of a Sacred Underground” by Helene Stapinski. Featured photo by Devin Yalkin for The New York… Read More

Drive to revive organ at Old St. Patrick's Cathedral - FOX5NY

FOX 5 NY reports on the drive to save the Erben organ

Updated: March 5, 2019 by Lana Krakovskiy

FOX 5 NY’s Antwan Lewis interviewed Basilica Director of Music and Organist Jared Lamenzo about the ailing Erben organ. This story aired on 2/27/2019 and was posted on the FOX 5 NY website on 2/28/2019. Excerpt… 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