BREAKING: The installation of a remarkable new organ at St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague is nearing its final stages, promising to elevate the acoustics of the largest temple in the Czech Republic. The project, which combines historical significance with modern craftsmanship, is set to enhance religious services and concerts for generations to come.
As of Tuesday, an international team was diligently working on a three-story scaffolding above the cathedral’s main entrance, securing the last remaining pipes in place. This extensive work is slated for completion by late August, after which the voicing and tuning of the organ will continue through the end of the year.
The organ, which boasts an astonishing 6,000 pipes ranging in length from just 0.28 inches to 23 feet, will make its public debut on June 15, 2024, coinciding with the feast of St. Vitus, as confirmed by cathedral officials. The instrument is a four-manual creation constructed by the renowned Spanish organ builder Gerhard Grenzing, whose workshop in El Papiol, Spain, has produced nearly 140 organs worldwide.
The installation marks a significant cultural milestone, as the previous organ, completed in the early 1930s, was deemed inadequate and often malfunctioned. This led to a long history of neglect during critical periods, including World War II and over 40 years of communist rule. The effort to construct a new organ began in 2017 and included a successful crowdfunding campaign that raised over 109 million Czech koruna (approximately $5.2 million), covering about 98% of the project’s costs.
St. Vitus Cathedral is not only an architectural marvel but also a pivotal site in Czech history, where kings were coronated and buried. The Czech crown jewels are housed within its walls, and it served as the venue for the funeral Mass of Vaclav Havel, the country’s first president, on December 23, 2011.
Once completed in Spain, the organ was meticulously disassembled and transported to Prague in stages, ensuring that each component arrived safely. The anticipation for its inaugural sounds has sparked excitement among locals and tourists alike, highlighting the cathedral’s enduring legacy as a cultural and spiritual beacon.
As the project moves forward, all eyes will be on the final tuning process, which promises to refine the organ’s voice to perfection. The upcoming June 2024 unveiling is expected to attract significant attention, reinforcing the cathedral’s status as a cornerstone of Czech heritage.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as this landmark installation comes to fruition, marking an exciting chapter in the history of St. Vitus Cathedral.