The Organ is prominently used on a regular basis in performances by the Cathedral Organist, Philip Faraone, with the Gregorian Concert Choir, under the direction of Monsignor Anthony Mancini, Music Director and Rector of the Cathedral. It was the former Music Director of the Cathedral, Dr. C. Alexander Peloquin, who conceived of the design and installation of this magnificent instrument. Dr. Peloquin's vision for an Organ worthy of this sacred space is a lasting legacy of his tenure here at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.
The Cathedral Organ:
Sacred Music in a Sacred Space
The Cathedral Organ is a four manual mechanical action Casavant, Opus 3145. It has 6,616 pipes, 126 ranks, and 73 stops. The Organ was designed by Larry Phelps and installed in 1972. It is the largest mechanical action organ in the North American Continent!
Many prominent organists have concertized on the instrument, including Dame Gillian Weir, Stephen Hamilton, and of course the Cathedral Organist, Philip Faraone. Many outstanding choirs have performed in the Cathedral, and have used the Organ in their performances. Among these groups have been The American Boy Choir, Christ Church, Oxford, the Ile de France Children's Choir and Orchestra, The Choir of the University of Virgina, The Saints Thomas Choir of Men and Boys from New York City, and many others.
On On August 30, 2008 Mr. Faraone and the Cathedral Organ were featured on the front page of The Providence Journal in a major article by Mr. G. Wayne Miller. You may access a reprint of this newspaper article by clicking on the image to the left.