Idaho, United States of America
For being close to 50 years old, the Austin organ located at First Presbyterian Church, Boise, Idaho is a fine instrument. With its strong construction, it has stood the test of time with distinction. When First Presbyterian Church decided it was time to update the console and capabilities of its organ, it consulted with many organ builders. The church concluded that a combination organ would best preserve the past as well as look towards the future.
The Austin organ is a medium sized three manual with 39 stops and an excellent specification. The church chose a Rodgers 968 Trillium Masterpiece Series organ with its large stop list to complement the excellent tonal base of the Austin. Adding new stops to the ensemble of the Austin has broadened its sound and added a dynamic range that is truly wonderful.
The Masterpiece organ was chosen for many reasons. One of the most important reasons is Rodgers' new technology. New organs from Rodgers are built on an advanced platform that will allow the organ to be upgraded in the future, assuring the church of the ability to update the digital sounds and features as needed without having to replace the console. The church benefits from both incredible flexibility and excellent value for its investment. In addition, Rodgers consoles are beautiful, ergonomically designed and - most importantly - built to last for decades with little maintenance.
The marriage of the beautiful Austin organ and the new Rodgers organ is truly seamless. It is virtually impossible to tell where the pipes stop and the digital voices begin. No one completes more fine combination organs in the United States than Rodgers.
Heritage Church Organ Company of Orem, Utah was chosen for the project. David Bagley and Michael Civiello of First Presbyterian Church handled the design and layout of the Masterpiece 968. Jeff Hansen, Rod Perschon, and Mark Austin of Praestant Associates handled all of the new wiring that would be required to blend the instruments. David Bagley oversaw the placement of the speakers and the voicing of the organ.
“This truly was a great project," David Bagley said. "It is rare that all of the factors come together to create such a wonderful instrument. From the building to the original organ to a fine organist, we as Heritage Church Organ Company have been privileged to work on this project. We wish the church many years of fine music and worship with their new instrument.”
