Massey Memorial Organ

Chautauqua's own Massey Memorial Pipe Organ is located on the grounds of the famous Chautauqua Institution. This high-precision instrument is subject to harsh winter conditions from the snowbelt downwind of Lake Erie. It is generally considered to be an outdoor symphonic organ. The instrument was installed in 1907 and given to the Chautauqua Institution by Eliza A. Massey in memory of her husband, Hart Massey. During the Chautauqua summer season, which runs from late June to late August, there are recitals on the Massey Organ most Wednesdays by organist Jared Jacobsen. There are also tours of the organ and "Children's Encounter" programs on alternating Sunday evenings.^[1]

In 1914, 1928 and 1972, the Massey Organ received tonal changes, replacement and or reconfigurement of some of its pipes. In 1992–1993, a complete reconstruction was completed by the Fischer Pipe Organ Company of Erie, Pennsylvania. All the existing pipes were restored to their original stop designations and some were replaced. As of 2016, the instrument has 5,640 pipes.^[2]

A video documentary showing the instrument's 1992–1993 reconstruction was made by Rochester Institute of Technology student Frederick Rueckert. This DVD is currently available for purchase at the Chautauqua Institution bookstore, under the title "Between the Motion and the Music, the Massey Organ Reconstruction". In 2003, a 32' Bombarde stop was added to the instrument by Fischer Pipe Organ Company. This unique stop, built by AR Shopp and Company, was donated by Rueckert in memory of his grandparents and his college documentary project.

In September 2016, the Chautauqua Amphitheater, which was listed on the national register of historic places, and housed the instrument was demolished to make way for a new and updated structure. The new Amphitheater will integrate the existing Massey Memorial Organ and brick organ vault, which were left intact.^[3]

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