Organ

The Casavant Organ Opus 2000

The Casavant Organ Opus 2000 was built by Casavant Frères, Limited in Quebec, Canada, and installed in Marsh Chapel upon its construction in 1950. Recognized as one of the finest instruments in the New England region, the organ is particularly renowned for its rich, expressive sound—ideally suited for French Romantic organ literature. This extraordinary instrument was gifted to Boston University through the generosity of the Honorable Guy W. Cox. A significant rebuilding effort in 1985 was made possible by the benevolence of Thomas C. Reed, with another recent renovation in 2004. 

Harmonious Blend of Music and Architecture

Beyond its musical excellence, the organ is an integral part of Marsh Chapel’s architectural design. The organ screens feature intricately carved panels adorned with musical symbols, including bells, a lyre, clef scrolls, and music staffs. At the heart of these panels stand depictions of St. Gregory—credited with the origins of Gregorian chant, shown with a dove on his shoulder and a monochord in hand—and St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music, holding a portable organ. Further emphasizing the profound role of music in worship, the choir stall newel posts flank the choir stalls, on which are carved the heads of Georg Friedrich Handel and Johann Sebastian Bach. 

Legacy of Musical Excellence

The rebuilt Casavant Organ was formally dedicated on March 24, 1985, “to the Glory and Praise of God in Service and Concert” during the University Service of Worship. The dedication was led by then Dean Robert Watts Thornburg, with Dr. Max Miller, then University Organist and Choirmaster, providing the musical offerings. In 1990, Julian Wachner succeeded Dr. Miller as University Organist and Choirmaster, having previously served as his assistant. In 2001, Dr. Scott Allen Jarrett assumed this esteemed role. As Music at Marsh Chapel continued to grow, the position evolved, with Dr. Scott Allen Jarrett now serving as Director of Music, the Arts, and Cultural Engagement, Justin Thomas Blackwell as Associate Director of Music and Organist, and Patrick T. Waters as Assistant Director of Music, Special Projects, and Publications. 

Today, the Casavant Organ remains a vital part of Marsh Chapel’s worship and concert life, inspiring the congregation with its majestic sound and timeless beauty.