Fans of the Curtis Sesquicentennial Organ

A registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to promote awareness of and educate the public about the Curtis Sesquicentennial Organ, located in Irvine Auditorium at the University of Pennsylvania, through concerts, symposia, recordings and to maintain a digital presence for the Curtis Organ. The fabulous 1926 Austin IV/162 (10,731 pipes) residing in Irvine Auditorium of the University of Pennsylvania is the magnum opus (under a single contract) of the Austin firm. Built for Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia (in 6 months!), it is a masterpiece of Symphonic organ building. While comparatives and lists change and claims are hard to substantiate, the organ still ranks as one of the largest pipe organs in the world, currently estimated to be #22 by pipe count. It was moved to Irvine Auditorium during the building construction, occupied two second-balconies originally designated for seating and delayed the opening of the hall by 2 years. It also happens to be the second largest instrument in Philadelphia area (after the Wanamaker Organ)! The main divisions are on 7.5” wind, with Solo, Trombone Chorus and some Pedal on 10” and the Tuba Magna on 25” wind, powered by a 40 h.p. Spencer step-up blower for the Tuba Magna.

2. 38 ranks of reeds, including four unique French Horns, a floating 5-rank Trombone Chorus, two unified ranks of Pedal reeds and the Tuba Magna on 25" wind.

3. There are 12 Diapason ranks at 8’ pitch on the manual divisions.

4. The organ boasts 45 ranks of Strings, including 15 in the Swell division and the floating 26-rank String Division, 32’ & 16’ Violone (metal) unit in the Pedal, and an extension to 16’ C of the Viole Celeste III from the String Division. Strings are tuned unison, sharp and flat throughout.

5. There are 25 Flute stops in the manual divisions.