The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ in St. Gallen

...an extraordinary instrument

...an eventful history


Since December 2014, an extraordinary instrument has resided at the Kirchgemeindehaus St. Georgen in St. Gallen (Switzerland): an original American Wurlitzer organ, built in 1923 for the LaPorte Theatre in LaPorte near Chicago.  From 2013 to 2014, Jeff Weiler restored the organ in his Chicago workshop, then installed and voiced it in St. Gallen. Since then, the organ has delighted audiences at church events that take place regularly in the hall of the parish house, as well as at silent film and other events in which the Theatre Organ Style comes into play.

How it all began

Bernhard Ruchti, organist at St. Gallen, spent a sabbatical year in the US from 2010 to 2011. There, he became acquainted with the tradition of theater organs, still virtually unknown in mainland Europe. His encounter with Edward Stout, restorer and curator in the vicinity of San Francisco, was crucial to his passion for Wurlitzer organs. Back in Switzerland, Bernhard Ruchti launched a project to install an original historic Wurlitzer organ in St. Gallen.    

The instrument at St. Gallen

The organ in St. Gallen bears opus number 647. It is one of only about a dozen Wurlitzer organs worldwide that are preserved unchanged as they were originally built. It thus makes a significant contribution to the cultural heritage of the time. It sounds the same today as when it was built in 1923 and makes possible an incomparable listening experience from the 20s.    


An eventful history

The instrument has an eventful history: After the LaPorte Theatre was demolished in the 70s, the organ was initially in private hands before the ATOS (American Theatre Organ Society) purchased and stored it. Only the restoration in 2013 and 2014 brought the 90-year-old organ back to life. An important aspect of restorer Jeff Weiler's work is to maintain the organ in its original condition and, in particular, no electronic accessories (such as MIDI ports) were installed. The wonderful orchestral and youthful fresh sound of this authentic Wurlitzer organ has generated interest and enthusiasm from the public at home and abroad. - The photo shows the LaPorte Theatre in 1923. The organ console appears on the left side of the stage.

Experience the Wurlitzer organ

You can experience the organ at regular Sunday services in the classical church organ style. For the real "Theatre Organ Style", visit the annual Silent Film Festival and other special events. In addition, you can organize a guided tour, including a Wurlitzer Organ concert with exciting commentary and anecdotes, or even a personal silent film event. Contact us for more information!    

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Specifications

Print Version

Solo:

Bass (Diaphone) 16’

Bourdon 16’

Vox Humana 16’ (Tenor C)

Trumpet 8’

Open Diapason 8’

Tibia Clausa 8’

Salicional 8’

Flute 8’

Vox Humana 8’

Octave 4’

Piccolo 4’

Salicet 4’

Flute 4’

Twelfth 2 2/3’

Piccolo 2’

Tierce 1 3/5’

Cathedral Chimes

Xylophone

Glockenspiel

Chrysoglott

 

Solo Second Touches:

Trumpet 16’ (Tenor C)

Tibia Clausa 16’

 

 

Pedal:

Bass (Diaphone) 16’

Bourdon 16’

Trumpet 8’

Open Diapason 8’

Tibia Clausa 8’

Flute 8’

Cello 8’

Bass Drum

Kettle Drum

Cymbal

 

 

Tremulants:

Main Chamber

Solo Chamber

Vox Humana

 

Accompaniment:

Contra Viol 16’ (Tenor C)

Vox Humana 16’ (Tenor C)

Trumpet 8’

Open Diapason 8’

Tibia Clausa 8’

Salicional 8’

Flute 8’

Vox Humana 8’

Octave 4’

Piccolo 4’

Salicet 4’

Flute 4’

Vox Humana 4’

Piccolo 2’

Chrysoglott

Snare Drum

Tambourine

Castanets

Chinese Block

 

Accompaniment Second Touches:

Trumpet 8’

Tibia Clausa 8’

 

 

Effects:

Horses Hooves

Surf

Bird

Auto Horn

Acme Siren

Fire Gong

Steamboat Wistle

Sleigh Bells

Door Bell

 

 

Balanced Pedals:

Main Expression

Solo Expression

 

 

Adjustable Combinations:

Solo: 1-5 (4 and 5 including Pedal stops)

Accompaniment 1-5 (4 and 5 including Pedal stops)

Pedal 1-3