St. John's
Walker/Casavant Hybrid Pipe Organ
 Organist & Choir Director: Robin Davis

Early in 2001, under the leadership of our Committee Chair Mr. Johan van’t Hof, we began to look into the pipe organ in our parish, our assessment of its role, its value and how well it performs that role. We believed that our task was an analytical one, in assessing whether that role could be achieved any better. We started with a sense that the role was one of technical assessment and analysis. Our journey led us into something else, being the mystery of inspiration and transcendence that the organ is capable of achieving. What began as the quest to fill functional shortcomings of an otherwise quality instrument, has blossomed into the realization of a vision of a truly magnificent and awe-inspiring musical instrument, truly worthy of the title “The King of Instruments”

It’s difficult to describe the pleasure of the musical sound we now enjoy. It is rich and resonant, not muddy, but full bodied, with mixtures providing clarity but without a hint of shrillness. The blending of the digital with the pipes is completely seamless and utterly convincing. Having “lived” with the instrument for 9 months the honeymoon is far from over. Hymn singing has been invigorated with new excitement, possibilities for choir accompaniments are almost limitless and repertoire is being discovered anew, without compromise. The Antiphonal Trompette Real gives shivers, while the softest Choir Unda Maris and Flute Celeste give the instrument the sensitivity and warmth so useful in Anglican traditional worship.

The success of the transformation of the instrument is due in large part to the experience and professionalism of our partners, Robert Smit Keyboard Services and Bob Walker of Walker Technical, and the guidance and insight of our consultants, Christopher Dawes and John Tuttle. The console work, completed by Robert Smit, is beautifully crafted, hand-rubbed mahogany. The drawknobs and couplers are made by Syndyne and the keyboards are a Casavant “set” taken from Royal St. Georges College in Toronto and refurbished. Robert Smit, with assistance from Mike Donovan and Dave Jefford, successfully integrated the new Walker PD3 computer control system with the existing Casavant pipework and made electrical power preparations, which was no small feat! Walker amplifiers and the Walker speaker system were installed in Sept. 2004, by Walker personnel into a chamber in the north wall of the chancel (after two days of removing an undiscovered plaster & lath wall!) opposite the pipe chambers. Bob Walker with assistance from John Tuttle, did the tonal finishing, making sure the blend, balance and sound colours were optimized for our church building and giving the instrument its final “personality”. A subsequent visit by Bob Walker this spring corrected a few minor “bugs” and at our request switched a digital 8’ Viola Pomposa on the Choir with a beautifully clear Stinkens Principal sample, in order to better support the Choir principal chorus.

Under the heading “Bells and Whistles” the Rodgers/Roland Sequencer and MIDI system, I have found to be most useful. The sequencer replays recorded playing, complete with stop changes, expression shoe changes and can even be replayed at different tempi or keys. It has successfully been used in services to allow remote conducting, and is very helpful in self-critiquing while practicing. While unfortunately the MIDI does not track temperature related pitch changes automatically, as the Walker stops do, it has also proven useful on occasion. For example the 32’ Violone effectively supports the Choir and Swell Celestes, or an orchestral solo cello played on the pedal against the Swell 8’ flute is great for continuo accompaniments. A special movable steel platform, finished in oak (designed for the physical constraints of our sanctuary) allows the console to be moved, independent of the bench and pedalboard.

Many, many thanks to the committee members and all who helped make this happen for the parish of St. John’s York Mills. The project has been a success on all fronts. Tonally we met or exceeded our expectations, the work was done under budget, and ahead of schedule. Over 50 families or individuals, mostly from the parish, raised a total of approximately $120,000.00. Plans are in place to add pipe facades to disguise visible speakers above the rear balcony.

The instrument is the first significant Walker Technical hybrid installation in Toronto and the second in Canada (Trinity Lutheran in London was the first). It is a showpiece! To arrange for a demonstration, please contact me through the church office.