Announcing Opus 1!

Saint John’s Abbey Organ Builders, under the artistic leadership of Martin Pasi, has signed a contract with St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Leawood, Kansas, for a mechanical action organ of 45 stops over three manuals and pedal.  The organ will be situated in the large West gallery of the church, which accommodates antiphonal choirs for the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours as well as voices and instruments attending the celebration of the Eucharist and other rites and sacraments.  

The tonal scheme for the organ will be inspired by the great 18th century abbey organs of central Europe, filtered through the modern, distinctive personal style for which Martin Pasi is known.  The organ will be housed in a wide hardwood case with the “Hauptwerk” (Great) division in the center, flanked by two “Seitenwerk” (side) divisions in swell enclosures.  The Pedal division will reside behind the main case, and the organist will be able to both accompany and direct the choir from a reversed, detached console. Opus 1 is scheduled for completion in 2025.