Curtis declares its intention to commission Dobson Pipe Organ Builders to construct a new organ for Field Concert Hall. Dobson reserves 35,000 work hours in its production schedule for the design, construction, installation, voicing, and tuning of the instrument.
Field Hall Opus 100
Corresponding with Curtis’ centennial celebration, the 100th instrument created by Dobson Pipe Organ Builders will inspire a new generation of organists.
Curtis Institute of Music aims to replace its organ in Field Concert Hall with a distinguished, best-in-class instrument, which allows the school to maintain its status as a leader both locally and globally for organ education.
Addressing the Needs of Curtis Students
Curtis’ organ department is presently set at a maximum of five students, guaranteeing each student considerable access to distinguished artist- faculty and maximizing their opportunities to perform not only at Curtis, but across Philadelphia and throughout the Northeast Corridor. With its current organ becoming increasingly unreliable, Curtis students are limited in their on-campus opportunities.
Partnering with the Best
Since its founding in 1974, Dobson Pipe Organ Builders has become one of the preeminent builders in the world, delivering a perfect balance of unparalleled craftsmanship, artistry, and ingenuity, fueled by tradition. Dobson strives to create timeless works of musical art that faithfully perform the literature, inspire the composer and improviser, and are a joy to both player and listener. Dobson was Curtis’ unanimous first choice based on their superior reputation and craftsmanship combined with their willingness to collaborate to create an instrument for teaching at the highest level. Opus 100 will incorporate specific stops that Alan Morrison, Haas Charitable Trust Chair in Organ Studies, identified from organs around the world.
Creating Opportunities for the Community
Once Opus 100 is installed, Curtis will offer dozens of free and deeply discounted performances to the public featuring our students, esteemed alumni, and guest artists. These recitals, master classes, and concerts are certain to bring new audiences to Field Concert Hall.
Ways to Support
Your support for Dobson Opus 100 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, thanks to a generous gift from an anonymous donor. There is no better time to amplify your impact on one of the most exciting and novel renovations to Field Concert Hall.
All donors will receive a personal invitation to the Opus 100 dedication event in spring 2026. Be sure to let us know your gift is designated to our best-in-class organ!
Help us bring Opus 100 to life by sponsoring its build. Donor names will be included on a dedication plaque in Field Concert Hall.
$4,000,000
- Instrument Design & Build
Creation of a bespoke, state-of-the-art console, as well as the construction of new pipes and auxiliary teaching console.
$1,000,000
- Endowed Maintenance Fund
An endowed maintenance fund ensures the regular upkeep of not only Opus 100, but for all organs on the Curtis campus, allowing for a thriving organ studio for generations to come.
$500,000
- Construction in Field Concert Hall
Includes the careful demolition and removal of the current organ so that it can be repurposed, and the renovation of Field Concert Hall to prepare the room for the new organ.
Sponsor an Organ Component
Main Console Opportunities
Main Console Shell $200,000
Includes the draw knobs, pistons, couplers and computer mechanism.
Organ Manuals $25,000 each
Each 61-note keyboard controls a distinct group of sounds:
Great Manual
Swell Manual
Choir Manual
Solo and Orchestral Manual
Pedal Board $25,000
The 32-note pedal board plays the largest pipes of the organ.
Organ Bench $5,000
The bench will provide Curtis students with a stable and comfortable
foundation for performance and practice.
Auxiliary Teaching Console
$100,000
A dedicated teaching space for the organ faculty, the teaching console
is completely separate from the main console and includes two 61-note
manuals, one 32-note pedal board, and organ bench, solely for teaching
purposes. It allows for more efficient lessons as student and teacher are
able to work side by side without the interruption of trading places.
Organ Project Timeline
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February 2022
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August–October 2023
After months of research, a design agreement is reached and Dobson begins their work. Dobson visits Field Concert Hall to study the space in which the new organ will reside.
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November 2023
Construction is underway! Dobson begins crafting pipes in order to keep the established schedule.
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Fall 2024–Spring 2025
Construction continues at the factory in Lake City, Iowa. Every component is cut, glued, soldered, painted, and sanded, down to the instrument’s tiniest parts. Once the building phase is complete, it is fully dismantled and prepared for shipping. Field Concert Hall begins preparations for the new organ.
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Summer 2025–Spring 2026
Dobson’s building crew arrives in Philadelphia for the installation. Voicing and tuning of the instruction continues through the fall semester.
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Spring 2026
Curtis debuts Opus 100! Students return to campus to begin their studies on one of the premier pipe organs on the East Coast, and audiences will be treated to a debut concert.