An article in Tuesday’s (3/6) Kansas City Star states, “Six months after the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts opened, a new star is about to grab the spotlight in Helzberg Hall. The Kauffman’s 5,548-pipe, custom-built organ makes its debut Saturday and Sunday, in performances by renowned organist James David Christie. Built by Canadian organ manufacturer Casavant Frères, the new organ is a significant addition to Kansas City’s pipe organ family. ‘Just as any new family member adds excitement and new dimensions to the lives of each person in the family, this Casavant will bring new gifts to our community,’ said Jan Kraybill, principal organist at the Community of Christ Temple in Independence. ‘And of course, the fabulous acoustics of Helzberg Hall will enhance the artistry of all who contributed to the design, construction, and installation of this instrument. … This weekend’s concerts by Christie sold out quickly, with patrons traveling from across the country and Canada. The next major organ performance will come in mid-June at a Kansas City Symphony concert, which is also virtually sold out.” Keep an eye out for a feature on the revival of concert hall organs in the Spring issue of Symphony.
Posted March 7, 2012
