Local pipe organ builder unveils newest masterpiece

Published 1:26 pm Tuesday, October 31, 2023

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Friday night’s open house at Lewtak Organ Builders was timely with the unveiling of their newly completed pipe organ, crafted for the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.

This musical instrument will soon find its home in the recently unveiled chapel at St. John Vianney Seminary.

While the organ boasts a modest configuration, comprising a total of 14 stops across two manual keyboards, its impact on the seminary, the university, and the broader Minneapolis community promises to be nothing short of profound, said Dr. Jacob Benda, the university’s director of music.

“No effort was spared to ensure that every note resonating from the instrument was an enchanting experience,” said Tom Lewtak, builder.

The open house featured the talents of Benda, also the universitys professor of Sacred Arts, and Organ . He entertained guests with a performance on the new organ.

A guided tour of the workshop followed that offered guests a glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship behind this creation.