Pipe organs are marvelous machines as well as musical instruments with a long history. In these demonstrations you will learn how the instrument works, hear selections of individual stops (voices), combinations of stops, and music to illustrate the range of colors available. The music will be performed by professional organists.

There are two kinds of pipe organs: mechanical action and electric (or electro-pneumatic) action. In a mechanical action organ there is a direct mechanical link from each key on the keyboard to each pallet (the valve that lets air into the pipes). In electric-action organs, the pallets are operated by electro-magnets (and often pneumatic mechanisms) that are controlled by the keys on the keyboard via electric wires.

We much prefer to demonstrate mechanical action instruments. Depending on the location, you will be able to see the organs up close and examine some of their inner workings.