CDCC’s Pipe Organ Turns 60!
CDCC is home to one of the largest pipe organs in Ottawa, and it turns 60 years old this year!
A “King of Instruments” Was Born:
The pipe organ was officially dedicated in April 1965 in loving memory of those who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces. The building of a pipe organ of this size is an architectural feat – taking the time, dedication and energy of many. Below is an archived newspaper article released shortly after the dedication referencing it as King of Instruments. A documentary film was also the complete organ project, entitled “Architects of Music” was also produced by CBC-TV, and was shown by a number of stations in Canada and in the USA.
1965 – Archived Newspaper Article
Organ Facade Over the Years:
The facade of the organ has changed over the years. Prior to the current Casavant, the facade did not showcase the pipes as pictured below. Post Casavant installation, the facade pipes became a beautiful and stately presence. Between 2018-2019, Carleton completed a stage renovation and organ digitization/repairs which allows the console to be mobile and showcase the facade pipes.
1962 – Facade Prior to Replacement After Building Fire
1988 – Casavant Facade Post Replacement with Fixed Console
2022 – Casavant Facade Post Digitization with Rolling Console
The 2019 Repair & Digitization:
When Carleton University acquired the building, it included this fantastic instrument! As part of the university’s efforts to extend the stage for performance and full orchestras, and alongside its efforts to effectively maintain the heritage elements in the 1912 building; a decision was made to repair and digitize the pipe organ. Previously, there were over 500 hardwired cables that operating the organ, and after the digitization it is just one! To mark its return after eight months of work – in 2019, Carleton hosted a “Welcome Home Organ” event to mark the historical occasion, which featured local Ottawa talent and received the a CCAE Prix d’Excellence Award for Best Special Event.
Read more about the organ and its 2019 revitalization via these archived articles, and check out the below gallery photos:
‘Like night and day’: Restored Dominion-Chalmers pipe organ to ring out again | CBC News
Pipe Organ Back in Action at Dominion-Chalmers | Carleton Newsroom
Ongoing Maintenance:
The pipe organ is a majestic instrument requiring ongoing and indepth care. There are over 5,179 pipes spanning 7 storeys with many components to clean and maintain. We rely on the expertise and professionalism of Sylvain Brisson of Orgues Brisson to keep the instrument in working shape and tuned for performers. We are also thankful for our CDCC Organ Committee who meet annually to review care options (current committee members: Donald Russell, Ed Lam, Peter Buist). In the upcoming couple of years, there are lofty goals for repairs including the facade pipes, pedal reed and beyond. With its current age and stage, CDCC has also been advised that the organ engine blower is reaching end-of-life.
Read more about the organ and its maintenance:
There is also a Friends of the Pipe Organ fund that exists for anyone who feels they could support more urgent projects and ongoing maintenance. Every donation really does make a difference!
Donate Today – Friends of the CDCC Pipe Organ
View the “Behind-the-Pipes” tour with Sylvain Brisson:
Birthday Concert Forthcoming:
STAY TUNED! Don’t miss the organ’s 60th Birthday Concert that is forthcoming – details will be announced this fall!
60th Birthday Concert – Being Announced this Fall