Sharkey Corrigan Organ

In August, 2003, Texas A&M International University opened its new Recital Hall, part of the new, large Center for Fine and Performing Arts complex. It was the dream of former University President, Dr. Ray Keck, that the new hall have a fine pipe organ designed for its needs. In 2006, his dream realized with the Sharkey Corrigan Organ, a gift from the E. H. Corrigan Foundation.

After a national search, the Kegg Pipe Organ Company of Ohio was chosen to build this landmark instrument. The organ has 69 ranks and 52 stops. Global in the heritage of its resources, the approach to the flexible use of those resources is decidedly American. The tonal scheme seeks not to simply reproduce sounds from any historic period, but to give the instrument its own voice with the integrity to convey with conviction the musical language of composers of all eras to contemporary listeners.

For this instrument, the Kegg Organ Company took care to provide four complete flue and reed choruses that are specifically designed, scaled and voiced to let the music of J. S. Bach and his contemporaries sing and sparkle with life.

The same resources, blended in different ways, create a versatile romantic instrument well capable of dialogue with a full orchestra, accompanying choral ensembles, and the wide dynamic range of romantic and contemporary organ literature. The Solo division is clearly romantic. The romantic Great reed chorus is enclosed in this box and is playable on both the Great and Solo. Its enclosure enhances the buildup, allowing it to be brought subtly into the full Great or full organ. In the same manner, the Solo Tuba is enclosed in its own separate box, allowing its careful use in the full ensemble.

The Sharkey Corrigan Organ is among the finest pipe organs available and makes real the musical riches of this marvelous instrument for TAMIU students and our Community.