Ballantyne Magazine covers news, events, real estate, restaurants, shopping, health, schools and business in the upscale Ballantyne Area of Charlotte, NC.
Issue link: https://ballantynemagazine.epubxp.com/i/48068
BALLANTYNE | cover story Above: The Calvary Grand Organ can mimic sounds of orchestral instruments. Right: Elizabeth Hildebrand, the organist at Calvary since 2009, revels in the role the instrument plays in worship services. every style of musical literature." That is no small compliment. Yet, this extraordinary set of pipes cannot sing its own praises, which may explain why few local residents recognize how truly grand the Calvary Grand Organ is. With 205 ranks (sets of pipes that produce five octaves or register of timbre), it qualifies as the 13th largest pipe organ in the world, and the largest all-new church organ ever built. To place it in perspective, the Calvary Grand Organ stands shoulder to shoulder with the Mormon Tabernacle Organ. Given such stature, the Calvary Grand Organ is truly a jewel in 62 BALLANTYNE MAGAZINE the Queen City's crown, not to mention a national treasure. "The Calvary Grand Organ is an artwork," stresses Nelms, who feels passionately about its place in Charlotte and the universe of pipe organs. "People around the world come here hoping to see, hear and play it." That includes the organist of the Mormon Tabernacle. The Calvary Grand Organ has also been featured twice on American Public Media's "Pipedreams" program on Sunday evenings, alongside premier organs from England and Europe. Physical Specimen From the standpoint of sheer physical attributes, the Calvary Grand Organ is not just an awesome musical instrument but a stunning masterpiece. One hundred and fifty-six gleaming zinc Great and Pedal Pipes form its focal point, rising 65 feet from floor to ceiling. Another 11,396 pipes are housed behind the main façade, hidden from view. High above the façade, as if WINTER 2011-2012