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OU PLANS TO RESTORE 1931 PIPE ORGAN
From The Daily Oklahoman
 The University of Pennsylvania donated a historically important M. P. Moller pipe organ (Op. 5819) to the American Organ Institute at the University of Oklahoma. The internationally unique organ, which weighs approximately 50 tons, has two consoles and approximately 6,500 pipes, the longest of which measures 35 feet, was formerly housed in the Philadelphia Civic Center. The massive instrument eventually will be installed in Catlett Music Center's Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall.
According to a release, The American Organ Institute, a new program at OU, strives to reinvigorate interest in pipe organ studies by focusing its facilities around historic American pipe organs and a comprehensive curriculum with repertoire spanning from sacred classics to popular music as well as silent film accompaniment.
According to John Schwandt, director of the American Organ Institute at OU, this Moller organ suits OU's vision perfectly, as it represents a combination of classical and theatrical organ design.
"The University of Oklahoma is deeply grateful to the University of Pennsylvania for this important and generous gift," said OU President David Boren in a release. "It is a signal of the support of that great university for the determination of the University of Oklahoma to build the nation's leading institute to preserve and perpetuate American organ music. It will also perpetuate the legacy of the late Mildred Andrews Boggess, who during her many years of teaching at OU produced more Fulbright Scholars among organ students than any other organ teacher in American history.
"Kevin Mahoney, senior vice president and chief administrative officer of the University of Pennsylvania Health System said they were happy to give the organ to OU's new program.
"The organ's first home was the Pennsylvania Convention Hall, a place of historic importance to the citizens of Philadelphia," Mahoney said in a release. "We are confident that OU will provide an excellent new home for the beloved organ, and our decision to donate the instrument is due in large part to OU's commitment to restoring the organ to its original glory, assuring the legacy of the Convention Hall will be enjoyed by many future generations.
"The donated organ was completed in 1930 by the largest manufacturer of pipe organs in the United States, M. P. M?ller of Hagerstown, Md. Many organ-building professionals have attested to the outstanding qualities of the instrument and feel it may even surpass the quality of Moller's other installations around the country.
The organ, which required four full semi-trucks for transport, was moved to OU from its Philadelphia home by the Organ Clearing House -- a company specializing in the relocation of pipe organs -- just days before the building in which it was stored was to be demolished. It is now stored within the facility that will house OU's American Organ Institute Shop, where it will undergo restoration. The AOI Shop is another unique facet of OU's organ program, as participating AOI students will have the unparalleled opportunity to participate in organ restoration projects carefully guided by a team of professionals.
"Thanks to the University of Pennsylvania, OU will have a performance organ like no other in the world, a centerpiece befitting its equally unique new organ program," said Eugene Enrico, dean of OU's Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts. "Historically, the University of Oklahoma has been a leader in organ education and performance. With the development of the American Organ Institute and the acquisition of this wonderful new instrument, OU is once again demonstrating its leadership in this important area."
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