When the Galbreath Chapel closed its doors two years ago, it also figuratively closed the doors on the opportunity for outside organists to perform at Ohio University.
Now, Tom Bara is prepping for his first visit to OU, where he will be the first outside organist to play the Galbreath organ.
“I’m honored and excited,” said Bara, instructor of organ and assistant director of music at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. “I hope to bring a sense of excitement and inspiration to the people about what this instrument can do.”
The 10-ton, 10,000-part organ remained inside Galbreath during construction. The renovation took two years and cost about $1.25 million, according to a previous Post article.
During the renovation period, students studying organ were not allowed to practice on the organ because the instrument had a plywood box around it to keep out dust. Nine students currently study organ at OU.
“It was a difficult situation,” said Paul Barte, associate professor of organ and music history. “Without our own instrument, we had to rely on the kindness and generosity of the local churches. … We had to work around (their) schedules.”
Harry Wyatt, who was recently appointed to OU’s vice president for architecture, design and construction, said Facilities Management worked with the School of Music to protect the instrument, according to a previous Post article.
“We really tried to find a way to make (students practicing during construction) possible in the final determination, but the best thing to do was totally box up the organ,” Wyatt said.
The School of Music does have a small practice organ in Glidden Hall, but Barte called it “decidedly inferior” and simply “not good.”
Though Barte is pleased to return to the better organ, he said problems initially persisted with the instrument because it sat unused for two years. Those defects — such as ciphers, or when notes sound continuously when they are not supposed to — have since been fixed after bringing in a repairer from Columbus.
Christian Vogelgesang is new to the instrument with only about three lessons and “luckily” they’ve all been in the renovated chapel. As a beginner, he said he is looking forward to simply seeing Bara’s technique.
“The organ is just really interesting because it’s basically like an orchestra at your finger tips,” said Vogelgesang, a junior studying music therapy. “The pedals are basically like having another hand.”
Bara said the combination of using one’s hands and feet is what makes for a great show.
“It’s a pretty amazing spectacle to someone who has no experience with the organ to see how much goes on with the player,” he said. “There’s a lot of footwork in my recital.”
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If You Go:
What: Visiting Artist Recital: Tom Bara
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Galbreath Chapel
Admission: Free
This article originally appeared in print under the headline "Galbreath organ to be played again"
