Home to a spectacular $1-million organ, the Reyes Organ and
Choral Hall is a chapel-like venue mainly used for performances in organ, a
cappella vocal and other baroque ensemble concerts and recitals.
The organ is a gift of Marjorie O’Malley. As an organist, O’Malley
has a deep appreciation for the instrument. She also donated the current organ
in University’s Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
The hall is named for Chris and Anne Reyes.
The Organ
The organ was designed and built over 15 months by Paul Fritts. Once built, the organ was disassembled and moved to Notre Dame.
The organ, whose construction took longer than a year, has
35 stops
(stop list), 2,551 handcrafted pipes and weighs an amazing 10,000 pounds. The
organ’s case is crafted from 800-year-old Douglas fir. Inspiration for the
organ’s design was taken from 18th-century German organs, similar to ones
played by Bach.
The Carvings
Designed and crafted by Paul Fritt’s sister, Judy, the organ’s
carvings were inspired by the idea that “everything that has life and breath
praises God.” Mollusks, waves, water lilies, roses, rabbits, owls, cardinals,
grasses, tulips and more decorate the instrument. All told, the case’s carvings
represent the four elements of creation: air, earth, fire and water.
Master of Sacred Music Program
This program is part of a larger Department of Theology initiative on music and the sacred arts. The program draws upon the resources and faculty of both the Theology and Department of Music.
Click here to learn more about this program.
