St Vincent de Paul Parish purchases new organ

Intermountain Catholic

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Johannus organist J. David Hart practices before he presents an organ concert at St. Vincent de Paul Church Feb. 24. The parish just purchased a Johannus Rembrandt organ. IC photo by Barbara S. Lee

SALT LAKE CITY — St. Vincent de Paul Parish celebrated the purchase of a new Johannus Rembrandt organ Feb. 24 with an organ concert preceded by an organ blessing.

Msgr. M. Francis Mannion, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, blessed the new organ, saying it will beautify the church and add to the liturgy. "The purpose of music and liturgy is to lead us to God and holiness."

He thanked those people who generously donated to purchase the organ.

Scott Larabee, director of music and organist for St. Vincent de Paul Parish, said the parish has been considering the purchase of a new organ for two or three years. "Only in the past year has the parish council approved the purchase. In July, we had two organs in the church, and listened to them side-by-side. It was a difficult decision, but we are pleased with the Johannus."

Johannus organist J. David Hart presented the inaugural recital, playing pieces by Cook, Mozart, Bach, Gigout, Alain, Cundick, Virgil Fox, Thalben-Gall, Barber, and Vierne.

A former national treasurer and regional counselor of the American Guild of Organists, Hart is a Fellow of that organization and received the highest score nationally in the association’s exam.

Johannus organs are made in the Netherlands, where organ building and Dutch history are closely interwoven. They are represented in Utah and Idaho by the Piano Gallery Church Organ Division in Logan.

The new organ at St. Vincent de Paul Church is crafted of oak with ebony and cherry keyboards. The drawknobs are also oak.