Below is a photo of the new Fratelli Ruffatti Pipe Organ which will be installed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan in the Summer of 2025.
The organ will have a 3-manual console, controlling 39 ranks of pipework. The installation will include a floating, antiphonal division at the front of the worship space. Given the spectacular acoustics of this historic worship space, the new Ruffatti Organ will be a welcome addition to the entire Grand Rapids music community. Of special note, the organ will include pipe ranks that are based on scales used by Gaetano Callido (1727 – 1813) and other treasured Italian builders whose instruments have accompanied chants and choral music over hundreds of years.
The organ was gifted to the church by the wife of Peter Secchia, who was the U.S. Ambassador to Italy during the Bush administration. His family foundation has donated to many institutions in the state and beyond. The church is hosting several major choral groups from all around the world next year to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Palestrina’s birth. It is our hope that the organ will play a large part to celebrate the quincentennial birthday of this renown Italian Composer.
Here is a link to TV-13’s article on this addition to Sacred Heart Church
Historic Grand Rapids Church one step closer to full restoration after pipe organ donation