Friends of the Erben Organ, A Once in a Lifetime Mission, Completed

What began as an impossible dream became one of New York’s great preservation success stories. The mission of the Friends of the Erben Organ (FREO), to restore and preserve the magnificent 1868 Henry Erben pipe organ at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, has officially been completed. FREO also undertook and completed the restoration of the original 1868 choir loft, returning the historic acoustic space that houses the Erben to its former glory while bringing it into full modern safety and fire code compliance. When FREO was formed, the Archdiocese of New York granted a rare and extraordinary permission: allowing a third-party organization to restore one of the Church’s treasured historic assets. It was a level of trust never before extended in this way. There was one condition. The nearly $2.5 million required for the restoration could not come from parishioners, because the parish itself could not absorb the financial burden. Every dollar would need to come from outside supporters who believed in preserving history, music, culture, and faith. And somehow, grace showed up at every turn.

Martin Scorsese – Photo credit: Brigitte Lacombe Grace Was Always Present. Legendary filmmaker and former Basilica altar boy Martin Scorsese agreed to serve as Honorary Chair of FREO and asked friends to support the effort in honor of his 75th birthday. In 2018, he gifted FREO and New York City an unforgettable evening inside the Basilica: “An Evening with Martin Scorsese: From Mean Streets to Silence.” That evening is now being transformed into a documentary film by award-winning filmmaker Joe Picozzi, protégé of the Russo Brothers.

Venerable Pierre Toussaint – Watercolor on ivory, ca, 1825   Painted by Antonio Meucci, Courtesy New York Historical That same year, another extraordinary moment unfolded. The Teatro Lirico di Cagliari Opera House in Sardinia, Italy, with historical research led by internationally recognized musicologist Francesco Zimei, recreated The Oratorio, a legendary 1826 concert at Old St. Patrick’s that introduced Italian opera to New York City and helped forever shape America’s cultural landscape. The original event was supported by Venerable Pierre Toussaint, one of the Basilica’s earliest benefactors, whose family remains buried within the church cemetery grounds. Toussaint personally sold tickets to New York’s high society to help make the historic performance possible. Nearly two centuries later, history came alive again. The 2018 performance was filmed and ultimately aired nationally on PBS as The Oratorio: A Documentary with Martin Scorsese. Then, in 2022, grace appeared once more. A cornerstone donor of the Anglican faith, Navy Captain Robert Gorham Fuller, Esquire, pledged $2 million toward the complete restoration and preservation of the Erben organ. Other major donors, including a descendant of Thomas Hall and Henry Erben, stepped forward with transformational gifts ranging from $150,000 to $300,000, many structured as matching grants that inspired even broader support. New York City also became part of the story through grants supporting FREO’s summer music camps, thanks to the support of former City Council Member Margaret Chin. We are equally grateful to the Hugoton Foundation, whose early belief in our mission led to FREO’s first major grant in 2022. Their support was not only financial; it was encouragement at a critical moment in this journey. Preservation Takes Many Hands. This project would never have been possible without the extraordinary dedication of countless people. We extend our deepest gratitude to Peter Golia and Stacey Golia LLC, whose craftsmanship restored the 19th century choir loft while preserving its historic integrity. We also thank the master organ restorers at Brunner & Associates, whose skill, patience, and devotion brought the voice of the Erben back to life. And to our board members, thank you for believing in what many thought could never be accomplished: Anne Marie Riccitelli, President Madeline Di Nonno, Vice President Frank Alfieri, Treasurer Jared Lamenzo, Secretary Vincent Chirico Reggie Gibbs Dr. Joseph Woo Dorothy Penske Thank You All Because of you, one of America’s most important historic instruments will continue to be heard by generations yet to come. The Erben organ has filled this sacred space with music for more than 150 years. It has survived wars, economic hardship, changing neighborhoods, and the passing of generations. Now, because of your generosity, its voice will endure long into the future. As this restoration reaches completion, so too does the fundraising mission and operation of the Friends of the Erben Organ. Some projects restore wood, stone, and metal. This one restored memory, culture, faith, and music itself. The Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral will continue caring for this beloved instrument through the Hall & Labagh and Erben Organ Maintenance Endowment Fund, generously established through FREO and now entrusted to the Basilica’s stewardship by its donor. Thank you for allowing us to share this once-in-a-lifetime journey with you. With gratitude,  Anne Marie Riccitelli President, Friends of the Erben Organ For updates and to continue to support the Erben organ, visit https://oldcathedral.org/erbenorgan