Community members and lovers of pipe organ music can be the first to hear a performance on the new state-of-the-art, custom-made pipe organ in a special dedication recital hosted by the MSU College of Music in the MSU Alumni Memorial Chapel. Guest artist Isabelle Demers will perform on the newly installed Red Cedar Organ in back-to-back recitals at the campus chapel on Sunday, April 10, at 3 and 7 p.m. 

Demers is considered a premier interpreter of organ repertoire, with a nuanced virtuosity that demonstrates the versatility of the legendary instrument that is often a cornerstone of cathedrals, concert halls, and chapels. She is the Joyce Bowden Chair in Organ at Baylor University and performs at cathedrals and concert halls worldwide.

“We are honored that Dr. Demers graciously agreed to be the guest artist for the inaugural performance on the Red Cedar Organ,” said Jonathan Reed, MSU professor of music and associate director of choral programs. “Her virtuosity and ambitious programming will provide the perfect introduction of this beautiful instrument, one which is exceptionally versatile for College and community, including weddings, funerals, memorial services, and student recitals. The organ is truly the centerpiece in the iconic MSU Alumni Memorial Chapel.” 

The Red Cedar Organ resulted from a collaboration between the MSU College of Music and Residential Housing and Hospitality Services to replace the Chapel’s original organ that was deemed unsalvageable. The custom-build and installation of the new Red Cedar Organ, “Opus134,” by Létourneau Organs took nearly 20,000 hours total to design, build, install, and acoustically tune the instrument within the Chapel. The two-manual instrument has a large reed chorus and digital 32-foot pedal stops to ensure versatile use and tonality. The pipes range in size from just over 16 feet to the smallest that is shorter than a pencil, and the palette of sounds they make is designed to offer as much flexibility as possible. 

This project was made possible by a generous leadership gift from Ed and Wanda Eichler, members of the College of Music National Leadership Council. Additional support from other donors was also important during the multi-year effort.

“The leadership and generosity of Ed and Wanda Eichler can’t be overstated in making this all possible,” said College of Music Dean James Forger. “The Eichlers have done so much for MSU, and their incredible support for this beautiful new organ is yet another example of their leadership, vision and support to advance the musical arts. This special performance heralds the opening of a stunning update to this beautiful space, which honors the memory of all MSU alumni who have lost their lives in service of our country. The space now provides a new venue for chamber music, choral and brass works, organ repertoire, and student recitals.”

In two performances at 3:00 and 7:00 p.m., Demers will play works by J.S. Bach, Alkan, Laurin, Mendelssohn, Franck, and Vierne specially arranged for pipe organ. The 3:00 p.m. recital will begin with remarks from MSU President Samuel L. Stanley and Dean James B. Forger. The organ design and build team from Létourneau Organs of Quebec—an international leader in pipe organ design, construction, restoration, and tonal finishing—will attend, and press is welcome to attend to meet the artist and organ representatives.

The 7:00 p.m. recital will be a performance only. Those unable to attend either recital in person can stream the 3 p.m. event on Livestream presented by the MSU College of Music in partnership with the MSU Alumni Office. Recital highlights will also air later on “Pipe Dreams,” a national radio program hosted by Michael Barone. 

The Red Cedar Organ Dedication Recital is generously sponsored by Ed and Wanda Eichler, George Orban and Rae H. Ramsdell, and Lorie Seitz Barbieri and Chuck Barbieri in loving memory of Midge Seitz (MSU ’52). 

General admission tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (age 60 and older), and free for students. Find information on this and other concerts, recitals, and performances on the MSU College of Music events website: www.music.msu.edu/events. Please note: As of March 6, the university no longer requires patrons to wear masks and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test to attend events hosted by the College of Music.