3 November 1999
We are pleased to announce that John Ourensma has joined the Dobson crew. A native of the Netherlands, John received degrees from Calvin College and Northwestern University. He served as full time church musician in Lynchburg, Virginia, Toledo, Ohio, and most recently, a 13-year tenure at First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek, Michigan. Through presentations and creative recitals, he has introduced people of all ages to the pipe organ in the communities he has served. He has also acted as an advisor to numerous church organ committees. While in Toledo he was associated with D.F. Pilzecker and Co., Organbuilders, assisting with general shop work, tuning and service as well as the installation of several new organs. His duties at Dobson include construction of mechanical key actions, pipemaking, and tuning and maintenance.
26 May 1999
Raven Recordings has released a new recording of the works of American organist and composer John Knowles Paine (1839-1906). Organist Murray Forbes Somerville performs several pieces on Dobson Op. 69 at Pakachoag Church, Auburn, Massachusetts. Other works are performed on the 1863/1902 Hook at Immaculate Conception Church, Boston, and the 1863 Walcker/1947 Aeolian-Skinner at Methuen Memorial Music Hall, two instruments played by Paine. Five of the works on this CD were published for the first time in 1996.
Program
Fantasia & Fugue in E-minor, Op. 2 No. 1
Andante con Variazioni in A
Prelude & Fugue in G minor
Prelude in C minor
Double Fugue on “God Save the Queen,” Op. 2 No. 2
Fantasia on “Ein feste Burg”
Variations & Fugue on “The Star Spangled Banner”
John Knowles Paine Organ Music
Murray Forbes Somerville, organist
Raven Recording OAR-460
7 April 1999
Dobson Pipe Organ Builders has signed a contract with the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, to rebuild the Van Daalen organ in Schmitt Organ Recital Hall. Major aspects of the project include replacement of all mechanical key action from keyboards to windchests; replacement of the present mechanical stop action with an electric one which incorporates a multi-level combination action; and complete revoicing and replacement of several stops. The project will be completed during the summer of 2000.
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