Caldwell Fine Arts Past Performances

Most people never knew that the Jewett Pipe Organ was incomplete. In 1961 when the organ was installed, the trumpet and 16-ft. bourdon on the Great Manual were omitted with the thought that they would be added at a later date. Perhaps 40 years is too long, but now the instrument sounds like it was supposed to. Casavant Company in Quebec, Canada, built the pipes and sent them in large wooden crates. The installation began August 1 and was basically completed on Friday, August 4. The difficult job was well managed by Rene Marceau Associates from Portland, Oregon. The installation was covered by several TV channels, particularly Channel 12, whose cameraman/ reporter came twice to follow the progress of the project.

The original contract on the organ was $43,000. To complete the organ cost almost as much. Vicki Werth, a grants writer for Albertson College, secured money from the Jewett Foundation in San Francisco and the Idaho Commission on the Arts Cultural Facilities Grant. Other contributors included Charlotte Runions Memorial Funds and proceeds of a duo recital by Barbara Attebery and Sylvia Hunt. The value of the instrument is now $500,000.

The public won’t see any noticeable difference in the appearance of the organ, but they will hear a difference in the sound. The trumpet and 16 ft. bourdon stops expand the repertoire choices of organists and make it even more of a joy to play. It is like turning on the stage lights after practicing in dim lights, or saying “What was good, just became better.” The trumpet and bourdon pipes add depth to the sound and at the same time give it brilliance and sparkle. Each rank also brings some lovely solo sounds. Public events are planned celebrating the completion of the organ:

October 17 The World’s Largest Organ Concert, sponsored by the A.G.O. (American Guild of Organists), will feature valley church organists and instrumentalists in some of the favorite repertoire of the centuries.
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January 23 at 7:30 p.m. Concert organists, Joseph Adam, of St. James Cathedral in Seattle will present a re-dedication recital that honors all the donors and celebrates the instrument as part of the Caldwell Fine Arts Series.
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March 2001 The Northwest Young Artist Competition for Organists will be held at Jewett Auditorium.