New Sophisticated Organ Makes Rozsa Debut
The Michigan Tech Department of Fine Arts and the Rozsa Center for the
Performing Arts have installed a Johannus Renaissance organ in the Black
Performance Hall of the Rozsa Center. The 62-rank digital concert instrument fully meets the standards of the
American Guild of Organists. Made in the Netherlands, Johannus organs
are considered by many to use the most sophisticated sampling techniques
to provide authentic pipe organ sonorities. The Renaissance 3000 features
three manuals, beautiful cabinetry, and an amazing loudspeaker system.
The instrument offers maximum flexibility through the availability of
Romantic voicing and Baroque voicing. These options are instantly available
to the organist and will allow a wide range of historical styles within
a concert program. When it was decided to acquire a concert organ for the Rozsa Center,
Michigan Tech alumnus and Concert Choir organist Eric Hepp (pictured at
right) was invited to consult in selecting an instrument. He agreed and
auditioned three different brands. The Johannus contact came about through Gerritt Lamain, former Copper
Country resident, Spring Commencement organist, and church organ representative
of Schmidt Music of Minneapolis. The organ was featured in the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra and MTU Concert
Choir performances on December 8 and 9 in the Rozsa Center. Plans are
being made for special church music workshops, organist seminars, and
a formal organ dedication recital. For more information, contact Dr. Milton
Olsson at 487-2207 or e-mail miolsson@mtu.edu.
12/10/01
