It started early in 2007, when we were first advised of the Kotzschmar Organ’s critical condition, and it climaxed in the last weekend of September, 2014. More than seven years of study and conversations, commitment and fundraising. Portland’s beloved Kotzschmar Organ left Maine for the first time since 1917 for two years of intense renovation. … Read more
Yes, we are back! The Grand Opening Concert of the Return of the Kotzschmar has passed but each concert or event since then has shown the brilliance of the organ’s renovated state. Every time I hear it I experience something new and different. Now, we are looking forward to celebrating Ray’s 25th Christmas with Cornils, … Read more
WOW!! It was Saturday Evening, September 27th and the Hermann Kotzschmar Memorial Organ was about to be played for the first time in two years after a complete renovation. There was a totally sold out Merrill Auditorium (For an Organ concert!!). The Board of the Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ showed up in tuxedos. There … Read more
Ray Cornils became Portland’s tenth municipal organist in 1990—following Gerald McGee and Earl Miller—after an extensive search and audition process. He had moved to Woolwich, Maine in 1987, and had experience playing the Kotzschmar in FOKO’s summer series. When he assumed the role of municipal organist, there was a dizzying array of performance possibilities. And … Read more
