September 24, 2001

Columbus, Ga. --- When the trucks rolled up in early September, CSU organ professor Joe Golden just couldn't stop smiling.

On the trucks were dozens and dozens of boxes -- some as long as 32 feet -- that were soon scattered throughout the RiverCenter.

But workers started unpacking immediately and people could finally see why Golden was so excited. The Jordan Concert Organ finally started becoming a reality.

'The organ is more beautiful and magnificent than I could have imagined, even having seen it completely put together and being played this past February in Canada,' Golden said in mid-September. 'It is the perfect wedding of room and instrument.'

It will take until about mid-October to completely unpack and build the Jordan Concert Organ into the RiverCenters Legacy Hall. But once finished, Columbus State University will be on the international organ map, Golden said. The Jordan Concert Organ, which is an Opus 60 , was built by Orgues LeTourneau of St. Hyacinth, Quebec, Canada and will be unveiled to the public on 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2 in a dedication recital.

Golden, as the organ designer and ceremonys performer, will play selections to celebrate the RiverCenters latest acquisition via the family of G. Gunby Jordan. The program will include musical pieces from J.S. Bach, Mozart, Franck, Guilian, Schumann, and Tournemire, said Golden.

The organ -- complete with three manuals and pedals that offer 57 different colors of sound that can be combined in numerous combinations -- was given to the RiverCenter by the family of G. Gunby Jordan.

Mr. Jordan loved the sound and power of the pipe organ. He would have been very proud of this important addition to CSU. . . His family has provided a lasting tribute to him that will thrill, inspire and educate young musicians from now on, said Golden.

While the Jordan Concert Organ makes a name for and celebrates G. Gunby Jordans appreciation for the organ as an instrument of beauty, it also brings recognition to CSU and the RiverCenter.

Its unique design and the unparalleled beauty make it one of the most important new organ veunues in the world, said Golden. Because of the Jordan Concert Organ, 40 organists from around the world are on the list of people who want to come and play recitals. Events planned for the future include an International Organ Festival, a Regional Convention of the American Guild of Organists and organ conferences sponsored by CSU, said Golden.

Tickets for the Jordan Concert Organ may be purchased at the RiverCenter ticket office, online at Tickets.com or toll-free at 332-5200. Purchases may also be made at the following outles: Camelot Music in Columbus Peachtree Mall and the Macon Mall; Piggly Wiggly stores in Columbus, LaGrange, Phenix City, Lanette and Eufaula; Coconuts in Montgomerys McGhee Place. For more information call the Schwob School of Music at 649-7225.

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