Much of the sacred music offered at Saint Mark’s was composed for human voices and pipe organ. The Cathedral is blessed with a trio of remarkable pipe organs that serve the rich liturgical and arts outreach life of Saint Mark’s Cathedral.
The main organ of Saint Mark’s Cathedral was an extraordinary accomplishment when it was installed in 1965. Designed and built by the Dutch firm of D. A. Flentrop, the organ now contains 3,944 pipes, ranging in size from 32 feet to less than one inch. The pipes are made of either a tin and lead alloy, cured copper, or African and/or Brazilian mahogany. The organist may select from 58 speaking stops distributed over four manuals and pedal. While not the first, Saint Mark’s Flentrop is one of the largest 20th century organs employing mechanical key action, and its success has influenced organ building through the United States and remains a landmark instrument of international note. A major restoration of the organ was completed by Paul Fritts Organ Builders of Tacoma, WA, in 1993-1994.
More on the Flentrop Organ and a complete stop list.
The Thomsen Chapel organ of 18 stops was built in 2003 by Paul Fritts and is a gift from Marion Garrison. This beautiful two-manual tracker-action instrument contains front pipes of tin, carved and gilded pipe-shades, and a fumed oak case matching the furnishings of the recently restored chapel.
More on the Marion Camp Oliver organ and a complete stop list.
Other Organs
The Pasi Continuo/Portative Organ, built by Martin Pasi of Roy, WA, was also a gift from Marion Garrison. The one manual organ has three stops at 8’, 4’, and 2’ pitches. Compact in its design, the portative organ can be moved to almost any location in the Cathedral.