Notre Dame University’s Admin Building – view of the Golden Dome.

Next year Notre Dame University (ND), South Bend, IN will have a NEW organ in their church the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

My friend Dave, who went to ND, has been keeping me up to date on the news. See his Blog: Life In A Word where he gives details on the new organ.

I, along with his wife, attended Saint Mary’s College (sister school) across the street, so we know this church quite well. He was a Domer and we were SMC Chicks!

This is quite an undertaking by ND. The sound quality of the current Holtkamp organ had declined. Thanks to a very generous donation by Wayne and Diana Murdy a new organ was commissioned.

Photo of the Basilica of the Sacret Heart church at ND taken by Julie Delio located on Flickr.com.

I am thrilled to say that the new organ is being built “right here” in the Seattle area by Paul Fritts and Company Organ Builders. They have extensive experience building intricate organs for the U.S. and Europe.

This new organ will be four stories high, so right now ND is renovating the church for the arrival of the new organ next summer.

The organ will make its debut Christmas 2016 at ND.

More good news… Paul Fritts & Company will be hosting an Open House Spring 2016 for us to see this amazing instrument. Six craftsman have been hard at work these past few years.

View the YouTube video, “Making the New Basilica Organ” to learn what goes into making this work of art.

I admit that when I was young, listening to an organ was like eating peas — I DIDN’T LIKE THEM!   As the years progressed my palet changed, I now eat peas and appreciate the sound of different organs.

AND at four stories high, there will be some incredble sounds coming out of this organ.

Stay tuned!