Welcome to the Organ Historical Trust of Australia
A warm welcome is extended to all those interested in finding out about the pipe organ in Australia and becoming enthused about our country's remarkable organ heritage. This site contains a great deal about the Organ Historical Trust of Australia (OHTA) - its projects, research, publications, awards, appeals, conservation standards and conferences - as well as providing information about whom to contact for information about the relocation of redundant pipe organs.
An enormous amount of research and fieldwork has enabled us to build an ever-growing online database about pipe organs in Australia, including scholarly histories, technical specifications and photographs.
Steven Kaesler OAM
Chair
Organs of Australia
Many of our instruments have been documented with histories, specifications and photos.
Details will be found in the "Organs of Australia" section.
Membership
To be an effective national preservation organisation, OHTA needs your financial support as well as your advice, interest and participation. Read more on how to become a member, which includes a subscription to our journal, OHTA News.
Conferences
Our conferences are an excellent way to get to know our heritage of historical instruments intimately. Here are links to the photos and documentation of the organs visited during our conferences.
Current restoration appeals
A large number of successful organ restorations have been carried out throughout Australia over the years, ranging in size from the colossus in the Sydney Town Hall, to small chamber organs with but a handful of stops. Read more about fundraising and the current organ restoration appeals.
Redundant organs
View the list of redundant pipe organs in Australia for which new homes are currently being sought. The information of these redundant organs, where possible, will be linked to an existing page on the OHTA website.
Recent news
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St Matthew’s Anglican Church High Street, Prahran
The following organ has been added to the Victorian organ listings page: St Matthew’s Anglican Church High Street, Prahran First organ, built by George Fincham; installed 1872. 1 manual, 6 speaking stops, 1 coupler. Present location unknown. Second organ, built by George Fincham; installed 1878. 2 manuals, 18 speaking stops, […]
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Mount Erica Methodist Church High Street, Prahran
The following organ has been added to the Victorian organ listings page: Mount Erica Methodist Church High Street, Prahran Built by William Anderson 1880s for an earlier unknown location; installed here 1905 Organ removed 1964 Hill, Norman & Beard (V601) and parts used in a new organ for the Koonung […]
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Roberts Organ: Re-location and Adaptive Re-Use through Rebuilding Appeal
The Divine Mercy Catholic Shrine is appealing for support to relocate and rebuild the magnificent 1924 Roberts organ. This intricate work includes restoring original pipework, updating the console, and enhancing its historic tonal qualities. Restoration Highlights Refurbishment of pipework to preserve original sound. Overhaul of the console and installation of […]
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St Agnes’ Anglican Church Booran Road, Glen Huntly
The following organ has been added to the Victorian organ listings page: St Agnes’ Anglican Church Booran Road, Glen Huntly Built 1972 Hill, Norman & Beard (Australia) Pty Ltd using some older pipework. 2 manuals, 3 ranks extension, electro-magnetic action. Organ relocated to rear platform 2001 Australian Pipe Organs Pty […]
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