04/27/2026
Invitation to sign a petition to save the University of Alberta organ. A message from Dr Enright
Hello friends,
I’m wondering if you might have a moment to sign the petition to have the Casavant Memorial Organ of the University of Alberta saved. https://www.change.org/p/unite-to-save-the-pipes-1978-casavant-memorial-organ?fbclid=IwdGRjcARcRcVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeH6GoXeHI_PNnlnUrB5O8BghIbUkGxijPDwC1xRraAlAk5zyum522TFHDHhI_aem_2LZAOMGiC2paplfGWwUb7w
The university powers-that-be decided they should remove the fine 1978 organ to make more accommodations for seating in Convocation Hall. The decision was announced with a month’s time to deadline and with little to no consultation with those intimately tied to the organ. Apparently the seating is not needed but, above all, the process has been rather rushed and shows a minimum of respect. I also wonder what other motives may be at play (not wanting to pay for upkeep, for example). But not having this organ there would be a major loss to the soul of that building. Played it once for a round of the RCCO National Organ Playing Competition - it was an outstanding organ.
Also, famed British organist Anna Lapwood speaks out about the pending removal: https://fb.watch/GL7QyAalef/?
