June 9, 2024 12:00 PM
Opole Philharmonic
“Organs at Noon”

Zuzanna and Maciej Bator – Organists

Program:
Stanisław Moniuszko (1819 – 1872) – Concert Overture “Bajka” – transcription by Zuzanna Bator
Bert Matter (*1937) – Psalm 90, Psalm 1, Gezang 47
Mateusz Ryczek (*1986) – Symphony of Peace

About the series: The history of the Philharmonic organs from VEB Frankfurter Orgelbau Sauer is not just material for an interesting article – it is above all a real and lasting symbol of the local community’s commitment to creating the cultural heritage of the region. The instrument was purchased and delivered to Opole in the late 1970s/early 1980s, but due to the prolonged expansion of the concert hall, it could not be assembled. The situation changed only after a decade; however, the problem then became the very high cost of installing the organs in the recently completed hall. What if the organ pipes were sold piece by piece, like bricks? – this solution was proposed by Mrs. Urszula Spyrkowa, and following her idea, the Social Committee for the Construction of Organs was established in 1994. If not for the generosity of the residents of Opole, the inauguration of the instrument on September 20, 1996, would not have taken place.

The Sauer organs suffered significant damage during the flood of 1997; they were reconstructed a year later. Two expansions of the Philharmonic (2005-06 and 2011-12), along with the typical disorder, dust, and fluctuating temperatures for this condition, once again damaged the valuable instrument. In 2016, it was possible to repair it to a degree that allowed use, but it became clear that the organs required a thorough renovation. The renovation, conducted in the summer of 2023 by the renowned organ-building company Wiesław Jelen, restored their brilliance, stable tuning, and full functionality.

3526 pipes and 48 voices – the full sound of the majestic VEB Frankfurter Orgelbau Sauer instrument will be presented by outstanding organists from Poland and around the world during nine Sunday concerts “Organs at Noon.” Each recital will be preceded by a short mapping projection with the organs in the lead role.