The present organ was constructed by Henry Erben in New York, NY between 1866-68. It is located in St. Patrick's Old Cathedral, a wonderfully reverberant Gothic space on Prince and Mott Streets in NoLita (North of Little Italy, New York). The Cathedral, built in 1809, was partially destroyed by fire in 1866, along with the 1852 Erben therein; this organ was installed during the reconstruction. The organ received a Citation from the Organ Historical Society for its historical significance and musical merits in October 2004.
The Erben Renewal project has been initiated to obtain grant money for the maintenance, repair, and eventual restoration of the instrument. The Cathedral just celebrated its 195th anniversary, and is preparing for its 200th; it would be a opportune time to secure the future of this organ. Sebastian Glück of Glück New York is the instrument’s Curator. The project has three parts: conservation, restoration, and education through performance.
Donations can be made to the Organ Fund via check to:
St. Patrick's Old Cathedral, c/o Organ Fund
363 Mott Street
New York, NY 10012
