Watch above: The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal’s Grand Orgue Pierre-Béique has taken years to tune. Elysia Bryan-Baynes has details.
MONTREAL – After eight years of planning, the Pierre-Béique organ was played in concert for the first time Wednesday night.
It took three years to assemble the over 6,000 pipe organ. Work began to install the organ in 2011.
The design is a collaboration between Diamond Schmitt Architects and Quebec-based organ manufacturer Casavant.
Conductor Kent Nagano led the Montreal symphony orchestra in the inaugural concert, and French organist Olivier Latry played works from Bach, Listz and Saint-Saëns.
At a celebratory cocktail before the event, Former Premier and MSO chair Lucien Bouchard said the new organ is a new opportunity for the MSO.
“There are hundreds and hundreds of pieces that have never been interpreted in Montreal and this organ opens a new door for the symphony,” Bouchard explains.
The organ boasts over 6,000 pipes, 109 registers, 83 stops, 116 ranks and there’s even an iPad connected to the instrument.
“It is the most advanced organ in the world right now. It’s beautiful,” says Bouchard.
On May 31, seven 45-minute free concerts will be held at the concert hall from 11 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Admittance is first come, first serve.
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