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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Redundant Organs – January 2025
The following details have been added to the Redundant Organs list: Church of Christ, LaTrobe Terrace, Geelong, VIC B 1858 John Courcelle, London (soundboard and reservoir inscribed “Hunter & Webb 1858”). Res 1998 Geo Fincham & Sons. 1 manual, 6 speaking stops, pedal pulldowns, tracker action. Man: 8.8.8.8.4.2. Presbyterian Church, cnr Alma […]
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Ivanhoe Girls Grammar School / Euroa Methodist Church
The following organ pages have been added to the OHTA organ database: Ivanhoe Girls Grammar School Euroa Methodist Church
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PLANS FOR THE 2025 CONFERENCE
Planning is now under way for next year’s OHTA conference and a sub-committee is meeting regularly to determine the itinerary and to begin making necessary arrangements. The conference will start on Monday 29 September and conclude on Saturday 4 October in time to reach Sydney airport by about 4.30 pm. […]
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Private Residence, Melbourne, VIC
The following details have been added to the Redundant Organs list: Private Residence, Melbourne, VIC Download Organ Specification Built by the Aeolian Company, New York, in 1928, Marie Antionette Model No. 1667. It was originally installed in Kenloch Estate in Olinda, then moved to St. Paschal’s College, Box Hill, around 1980. The […]
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