NEWS

Dedication Concert for the Renovated Mori Arimasa Memorial Organ Held

Update: October 8, 2025

On October 4, 2025, a dedication concert for the renovated Mori Arimasa Memorial Organ was held in the newly renovated music hall on the fourth floor of the University Hall. The concert was organized in one session for the public and one for university affiliates, featuring performances by university organists Tetsuya Kan, Megumi Tokuoka, and Mayu Harada, who presented a program including works by J.S. Bach and F.Couperin. Approximately 130 attendees were captivated by the majestic and resonant tones of the renewed Mori Arimasa Memorial Organ.

Originally built in 1985 by organ builder Tetsuo Kusakari, the Mori Arimasa Memorial Organ underwent a major restoration beginning in the spring of 2024 at a Kusakari organ workshop in Yamanashi Prefecture. The instrument returned to the University Hall at the end of July, and voicing adjustments were completed in late August.
The most significant feature of this renovation was the addition of a new 16-foot pipe to the pedal division. This stop adds depth and richness to the organ's sound and is indispensable for performing Bach's works. Although incorporating such a pipe into the existing organ posed major mechanical challenges, Kusakari devised an innovative solution, enabling the modification to be realized with a mechanical action.

In the concert, each of the three university organists presented a program designed to highlight the unique qualities of the renewed Mori Organ. The instrument's beautiful tone filled the music hall with works ranging from the Baroque period to contemporary compositions, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Following the concert, a small tea gathering was held. Mr. and Mrs. Kusakari, the three organists, and University President Shoichiro Iwakiri were joined by other university and organ community members for a pleasant time of conversation and fellowship.

From left in the photo: Director of the Sacred Music Center, Professor Matthew Gillan, Ms. Yoshiko Kusakari, Professor Emeriti Masakata Kanazawa, and Mr. Tetsuo Kusakari.