The
$1.2 million organ took more than three years to plan and construct.
(Laredo)—When the first notes sounded on the new Sharkey-Corrigan pipe organ at Texas A&M International University on July 23, they signaled the arrival of the largest philanthropic gift ever in support of the arts in Laredo.
The $1.2 million organ, which took more than three years to plan and construct, is a gift of The E.H. Corrigan Foundation. Information about the organ, including a special time-lapse video that shows its construction, can be found at http://www.tamiu.edu/organ/.
"It's a really a phenomenal investment that's unparalleled in the history of the arts in Laredo," said TAMIU President Ray Keck. “We are so honored to be able to be home to the Sharkey-Corrigan Pipe Organ and to provide our students and the community with an opportunity to learn about and hear its majestic sound."
The
organ has 3,998 pipes.
The Inaugural Recital was held July 23 in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall. Guest artist was David Heller of San Antonio's Trinity University, considered one of the nation's most outstanding organists.
The program included the debut of a specially commissioned work, "A Laredo Fanfare," by American composer Gerre Hancock. The program will also include selections by J. S. Bach, Duruflé , Elgar, Franck and Noble.
After a national search, the Kegg Company of Hartville, Ohio, was chosen
to build this landmark instrument. The new organ, which weighs approximately
35,000 pounds, has 69 ranks and 52 stops. It has 3,998 pipes arranged in
69 sets or ranks, four keyboards and pipes in three locations. The
largest pipes are made of zinc, but most are made of alloys of tin and
lead. Three sets of wood pipes are made of poplar, basswood and pine. 