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Snow Melt Damages 1907 Organ At Chautauqua Institution

Snow melt reportedly damaged the 1907 Massey Memorial Organ at Chautauqua Institution, the Associated Press reported. Officials say they hope to have to organ restored before the 2018 season. P-J file photo

CHAUTAUQUA — One of the largest outdoor pipe organs in the world reportedly has been damaged by snow melt, the Associated Press reported Saturday.

A routine inspection of the 111-year-old Massey Memorial Organ at Chautauqua Institution revealed that water penetrated a protective cover and entered the organ’s wooden console and four ivory keyboards. The incident occurred while the 1907 Massey organ was stored backstage, the AP reported.

Officials hope to have the unit restored in time for the 2018 season. The organ sits at the heart of the institution’s amphitheater, which was recently rebuilt.

Michael Hill, Chautauqua Institution president, told the AP the keyboards will be restored, but noted that the organ’s pipework and other systems were unaffected.

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