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Kuhn Organ Builders Ltd, 2013
Project in progress
Windchests: slider chests
Key action: mechanical
Stop action: electrical
Inauguration: 2013
Expert: Prof. David Titterington
Case design: Claude Lardon
Voicing: Gunter Böhme
Links, downloads:
© pictures Orgelbau Kuhn AG, Männedorf
portrait number 114480
www.orgelbau.ch/ope=114480
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| London |
III/P/42 |
| Great Britain,
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| Royal Academy of Music, Duke's Hall |
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«The Royal Academy of Music in London is internationally known and recognised as representing the highest values of music and musical society.» - Daniel Barenboim, February 2010
At the behest of Her Majesty The Queen
The Royal Academy of Music (RAM) in London is one of the most renowned music academies worldwide. Each year it takes in as students some of the greatest young talents from more than 50 countries. Since its establishment in 1822, the RAM has produced numerous prominent musicians. Among these are for example the contemporary stars Sir Elton John (rock musician), Lesley Garret (soprano opera star) and Clifford Curzon (pianist). HM The Queen is the Patron of the RAM. The serving president is HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, wife of Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Her predecessor was HRH Diana, Princess of Wales.
A new organ for the Duke's Hall
The RAM has been looking for a new organ for the Duke's Hall since 2005. The 450-seat Duke's Hall is the main concert hall of the Academy. With its splendid décor the hall has a majestic appearance. It is a matter of course: the highest standards apply to the new instrument.
The evaluation procedure was complex and long. The organ builders from Kuhn were able to deliver their offer for the first time in 2006. Other well-known organ building companies from Great Britain and continental Europe were also in the running.
Benefit concert by Sir Elton John
For the funding, the committee had recourse to a typically English tradition: the new concert hall organ is to be funded by donations. To help raise funds the RAM has gained the support of one of its most famous alumni: Sir Elton John. With two very successful benefit concerts, one of them in the Royal Albert Hall in London, the majority of the funding is already assured. The support of the public and further sponsors is impressive.
Unanimous choice of the experts - infinite joy of the Kuhn team
Now there was nothing to block the decision to place the definitive order: the expert body decided unanimously in favour of a Kuhn organ. The joy of the new organ building team and the whole workforce is infinite. Another reason for joy and pride: the rise in expenses during the five year evaluation period, as a result of the strong Swiss franc, does not constitute an obstacle. Quality and a convincing concept had priority. Now it is up to Kuhn to live up to the very high expectations.
The fact that the Kuhn organ reflects and emphasises in its conception and design the interior design, the materials and the "emotional and physical heart" of the Duke's Hall, was certainly crucial for the decision. This global approach to architecture is one of the recognised specialities of the Kuhn company.
Design "à la française" interpreted in a modern way
The organ's design is in the French tradition, interpreted in a modern way. The front consists of several slim towers connected with intermediate flats; the case is of maple, a light wood, that radiates lightness and elegance. For the pipe shades we use a combination of fine metal lattices and rods.
The foundation of this sound concept is the double function of the II. Manual:
On the one hand it is similar to the French Bombarde division with strong reed stops and the Cornet, and it also has the necessary stops for a Positive. Two either complementary or alternating plenums and the necessary solo stops are available on the I. and II. Manual for the contrapuntal music of the 17th and 18th century. For even more variation in Trio and Cantus Firmus music the III. Manual can be used as well.
On the other hand the II. Manual is a supplement to the Great division and its choice of 8 ' stops. But with its own swellbox and the coupler III-II it can also be looked at as a partner or a counterpart of the Swell division.
This organ will have a dynamic range rich in different colours from pianissimo to fortissimo and will therefore also be just right for the music of the 19th and 20th century.
Scheduled completion: autumn 2013
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