St. Chrysostom’s welcomed the arrival of its Fisk, Opus 123 organ in 2004, following a ten-year campaign. To welcome the celebrated instrument, the organ’s pipes were carried into the church by 102 parishioners. The eight-foot principal organ was first played that October. When fully constructed a few months later, it was officially dedicated at Morning Prayer on February 25, 2005. Daniel Roth, Organiste Titulaire of St. Sulpice, Paris, played the dedicatory recital that afternoon to a standing-room-only audience.
Built in Gloucester, Massacusetts, the Fisk has direct mechanical action, except for certain large bass pipes. Its casework is free-standing in two cases located at the east end of the church. The case is constructed of African mahogany and the console of quarter-sawn white oak, while the front pipes are polished, hammered lead. The key desk has 58 keys CC-a3, naturals of cowbone and sharps of ebony. The pedalboard has 30 keys CC-11. The organ has combination action with solid state logic and multi-level combination action. The stop action is electrically-controlled solenoids. It has a tremulant, wind stabilizer and balanced swell pedal.
Today, the Fisk accompanies St. Chrysostom’s renowned choir every Sunday and is played at its concert series, featuring some of the world’s most noted musicians who are eager to play the celebrated instrument.
