Kaliningrad: city organ halls

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

A trip to the westernmost regional center of Russia can be considered incomplete without visiting at least one organ hall. Kaliningrad, being an ancient European city, has preserved the remains of medieval Gothic. Here, rightfully, are several representatives of the most majestic family of musical instruments.

Organ halls of Kaliningrad

Strictly speaking, on the territory of the former German city of Koenigsberg, you can enjoy the masterpieces of Bach or Handel in two places. First of all, this is the Cathedral of Kaliningrad, the organ hall of which was completely restored relatively recently. No less famous is the city philharmonic society. But if you find time and go to Svetlogorsk, you can listen to another famous organ.

Cathedral on Kant Island

This Gothic temple was almost completely destroyed by British aircraft during World War II. The ruins of the cathedral stood until 1992, when the first restoration work began.

But a full restoration wasis inconceivable without the creation of an organ complex - the heart of the temple. And finally, funds were allocated for its construction. In 2006, a small organ sounded in the cathedral for the first time. But that was only the beginning. Within eleven months a large organ was built. The opening of the complex took place in 2008.

Both organs are equipped with electronics and are interconnected by optical fiber, which allows the musician to play both instruments simultaneously. On the other hand, two people can manage the most complex mechanism. This allows you to play music on a truly cosmic scale.

Regional Philharmonic Society

Here is the equally famous organ hall of Kaliningrad. Philharmonic address: st. Bogdan Khmelnitsky, 61a. This is another Gothic building - the Sagrada Familia. True, it was built much later than the Cathedral.

The building was not damaged during the war as much as the main temple of the city. However, it took a long time to restore and was opened to visitors only in 1980. Concerts began to be held here, because the acoustics of the Catholic church were ideal for classical music. However, the main place was empty - where the organ should have been, there was a balcony for spectators.

In 1982, the city administration decided to turn to Czech craftsmen. An organ appeared in the cathedral, which brought world fame to the Kaliningrad Philharmonic. The majestic instrument consists of 3600 pipes, united in 44 registers. The best musicians of Russia and Europe played on it.

Sounds of the organ on the banks of the B alticseas

The road to Svetlogorsk will take less than an hour by train from the South Station of Kaliningrad. This is the only Russian resort on the B altic coast. In addition to beach holidays, the city is famous for its organ hall.

On the site of the completely destroyed during the war chapel "Virgin Mary - Star of the Sea" in 1995, the organ hall "Makarov" was built. This small cozy neo-Gothic building is one of the main attractions of the city.

The organ is made by the German firm Hugo Mayer Orgelbau, third generation artisans. Currently, the hall is recognized as the best in the B altics, overtaking even the famous Dome Cathedral in Riga.

Organ concerts

The Cathedral hosts daily 40-minute mini-performances for tourists, where you can hear the works of Bach, Haydn, Orff and other great composers. The largest academic hall in Europe hosts international festivals and competitions.

In addition to concerts, the Philharmonic organizes educational programs for children and thematic subscriptions. Eight festivals are held on its stage, among which is the world-famous "Bach Service".

Svetlogorsk Hall is open all year round. Organ mini-concerts are held here twice a week. In addition, in the hall you can listen to choral singing and chamber ensembles. Stars of the classical scene from all over the world perform here.

Organ music will not leave indifferent even an unprepared listener. Indescribable power and depth captures and does not let go untillast chords. These sounds are felt by the whole body, and the soul rushes up.