This is an archive of news articles from November 2005. Current news articles can be found here and an archive index can be found here. Information in this archive may no longer be valid.

• A new Schuke organ in Luxembourg
  The Philharmonie Luxembourg will be dedicating its new four manual, 82 stop Schuke organ on the 11th of November. We'll add more details and a specification in December's news (note - postponed due to lack of time!), but meanwhile you can enjoy the photograph (right, copyright Philharmonie Luxembourg/Jrg Hejkal) and read about the organ on Schuke's website here.
  
  
• Dedication of the Frauenkirche Dresden
  

  One of the most interesting and controversial European organ projects of recent years has been the building of a new organ for the reconstructed Frauenkirche in Dresden. For those not familiar with this remarkable building, this great dome church dominated Dresden's skyline for two centuries until the notorious destruction of Dresden by Allied bombers near the end of World War II. The ruins were left as a war monument, much like Coventry's ancient cathedral, but following German reunification an ambitious project was launched to rebuild the Frauenkirche.

  It now stands again as a testament against war and destruction, complete with a new Kern pipe organ in a replica case above the main altar. There was some controversy over whether the new organ should be a replica of Gottfried Silbermann's original instrument in the church which Bach performed upon, or a modern organ. In the end, the instrument looks like the Silbermann and incorporates all of its stops but has a modern compass and additional stops, including a French-inspired Recit.

  There is a large amount of information on the Internet about the Frauenkirche and its new organ. You can find information about the reconstruction of the church here (mainly in German) and here in English. The Kern website includes information on both the new pipe organs. Many more pictures of the reconstructed building and its organ can be found here. Reports and impressions from the dedication of the organ and more information on its history have been posted on piporg-l here, here and here.

• Bachathon on Radio 3 this Christmas
  BBC Radio 3 will be playing nothing but Bach from December 16th to 25th, during which time they intend to play all his surviving works either live or from historical and contemporary recordings, including his large scope of works for organ. You can find out more about A Bach Christmas on the Radio 3 website here. Radio 3 is available worldwide via the web, and is broadcast in the UK on 90-92MHz FM and by digital radio and satellite.
  
  
• RSCM Book and Music sale at Cleveland Lodge
  The RSCM is clearing out a huge amount of stock in preparation for its move to Salisbury in 2006. This includes a large amount of new organ and choral music at half price and second-hand music heavily discounted, along with a variety of books - everything from junk to treasure must go. Readers based in within travelling distance of Cleveland Lodge (Surrey) who fancy a bargain hunt would be well advised to put the 12th and 13th of November in their diaries. The sale runs from 11am to 4pm each day. Directions to Cleveland lodge can be found on the RSCM website.
  
  
• More new organ inaugurations
  We have news of two more significant new organs dedicated during October. Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria, British Columbia gained a new Wolff et Associs organ with four manuals and 61 stops. More details and a picture at the Wolff et Associs website, and news from the Cathedral's perspective here. Meanwhile in Germany the catholic cathedral of St Sebastian in Magdeburg has gained a new three manual Eule instrument of 56 stops. A picture and specification can be found here on the St Sebastian website.