Christ Cathedral's Hazel Wright Organ & the American Guild of Organists - an Evening of Organ Music

AGO PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTERS Christ Cathedral Part #1

The grandeur of organ music and the splendid beauty of Christ Cathedral's Hazel Wright Organ recently captivated the audience during a remarkable evening performance featuring David Ball, Cathedral Organist and Acting Head of Music Ministry, and Lauren McCaul, Cathedral Music Administrator. This unforgettable event also showcased the exceptional talent of the Long Beach Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) student members. The AGO, a distinguished professional association devoted to organ and choral music, boasts over 14,500 members in approximately 300 chapters across the United States and abroad. However, what made this evening truly remarkable was the unique setting and the unforgettable "Hazel."

This particular evening of organ music, performed by accomplished artists and young talents, highlighted the unmatched beauty and power of the Hazel Wright Organ, an instrument that has returned from a remarkable restoration journey to once again grace the hearts and souls of those who have the privilege to experience its celestial tones. The Long Beach Chapter of the American Guild of Organists continues to foster a passion for this magnificent instrument among the youth and the wider community, ensuring that its legacy endures for generations.

The Long Beach Chapter of the AGO provides invaluable opportunities for young musicians to delve into the pipe organ world. Teenagers are offered the chance to learn about the instrument's construction, receive instruction from experienced professionals, and even experience some outstanding pipe organs firsthand in Southern California. For those who share a passion for the "King of Instruments," it's a chance to meet and interact with peers equally enthralled by its magnificent sound.

What made this evening even more special was the remarkable history of "Hazel." The Hazel Wright Organ, affectionately known as just "Hazel" by her admirers, has a story unlike any other. In 2013, this illustrious instrument was meticulously disassembled and shipped to Italy for a complete restoration due to a severe infestation of bugs. At that time, this iconic pipe organ was the fifth-largest in the world and had suffered the corrosion of its trumpets and the melting of its pipes. The restoration project was extensive, spanning nearly a decade and costing a staggering $3 million.

Finally, the fruits of this labor were on display as Hazel took her place in the fully remodeled sanctuary of Christ Cathedral. The sanctuary is a masterpiece, with its vaulted nave creating an awe-inspiring backdrop for the majestic instrument. Hazel was reintroduced to the world during a Mass on World Marriage Day, played for the public by David La'O Ball, a Juilliard-trained organist and the head of the music ministry at Christ Cathedral.

The audience's reaction was nothing short of spectacular. As the powerful chords emanated from Hazel's pipes, attendees' eyes widened, and they turned their heads from side to side to identify the source of the enchanting sounds. The visceral power of this extraordinary instrument was evident with every note, creating a captivating and intimate atmosphere that left a lasting impression on all present.

The Hazel Wright Organ has a rich history and was initially named in honor of its benefactor. During the zenith of what was then the Crystal Cathedral, founded by the renowned televangelist Rev. Robert Schuller, this organ was heard by millions worldwide. The Garden Grove church, an iconic local landmark and tourist attraction, boasts a majestic spire visible from numerous freeways that traverse the county.

The Hazel Wright Organ's original configuration included 270 ranks of pipes, ranging from a mere 4 inches to a staggering 32 feet in length. It featured five keyboards and the world's largest draw-knob console for controlling the sound. This exceptional instrument boasts 17,000 pipes across 293 ranks in its current iteration. David Ball states it is the largest pipe organ in a Roman Catholic cathedral in the Western Hemisphere.