Organ Collection
The Skinner Organ, installed in the Civic Auditorium in 1916, was the eighth largest in the world. Years later, the giant organ was dismantled and stored, and many Portland residents lost hope they’d ever hear the resonant sounds of this huge pipe organ again. But when the city remodeled the Auditorium, the organ was declared surplus and thoughtfully purchased by Alpenrose Dairy.
Through the skill and dedication of David Newman, the organ is once again stirring the hearts and souls of Portland residents. With its 4,000 pipes and four keyboards, it took Mr. Newman 3 1/2 years to complete the huge task of re-assembling the organ. The pipes are made of wood, tin, and zinc to produce different tones, and range in size from a few inches to thirty feet. Thousands of reeds, bellows and valves help compose the sound and dozens of "stops" produce different musical effects.
It's a truly unique experience to hear a concert from this fantastic musical monument. A special housing had to be built to hold the gigantic musical system, which now holds a place of honor in the 600-seat Alpenrose Opera House.
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