The Best Kind of Challenge

Schoenstein & Co. is building a three-manual, 34 voice, 40 rank organ for The Church of Saint Michael and Saint George in St. Louis, Missouri. The parish has a long history of excellence in music, led by Organist and Director of Music Joseph Arndt. This project presents all of our favorite opportunities and challenges: the demands of a serious Anglican music program, excellent musicians who will use every bit of the organ, a beautiful church, a rather dry acoustic, and small organ chambers. These items give us extra focus in the design of this organ and lead to greater rewards upon its completion. 

 

Of note on the specification are the contrasting chorus reeds: a dark Tromba of the Chicago Symphony, an Anglo-American Trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Harmonic Trumpet of the New York Philharmonic. Also included are several special color voices in the Choir division: a Fern Flute (open, wood), Silver Flute (slotted, metal), Flute Celeste pair, and the chameleon Viole d’Orchestre. The latter is an incredible accompanying resource and can be used as an ensemble or solo voice in combination with nearly any other registration. Installation is planned for late 2026.