Built in 1927 by Tellers/Dalstadt, the Rose Garden’s historic pipe organ has been part of this room for nearly a century. The instrument has five ranks of pipes and retains its original ivory keys.

Designed to support congregational singing as well as the classical organ repertoire, it has a lovely, warm tone particularly well suited to the intimate acoustics of the auditorium. Its modest size belies a surprisingly rich musical palette, with clear principal tone, gentler colors and enough breadth and presence to lead a full room without overwhelming it. Like many well-designed instruments of its period, the organ and the room seem to belong to one another; its voicing was conceived for this particular space, and its sound comes naturally alive within it.

The organ remains a working musical instrument and an important part of the Rose Garden’s commitment to preserving the artistic fabric of the former Holy Rosary Church in place. Today it continues to be heard in programs including the Festival of Lessons and Carols, carrying forward the musical purpose for which it was built in 1927.