Tours – Backstage Pipes
Join FOKO docents and James Kennerley, our municipal organist (or an exceptional substitute when James isn’t available) for a behind the scenes view and demonstration of the magnificent Kotzschmar Memorial Organ.
How much do you know about pipe organs and how they work? We offer an experience that takes you on a journey to learn how the Kotzschmar Organ came to be in Merrill Auditorium with all of its capabilities. Enjoy a special demonstration concert during which you will hear the various sounds and colors of this Austin symphonic pipe organ.
Get up close to see and examine the state of the art console that is the “brain behind the instrument.” Highly trained docents take you on a unique tour where you actually walk inside the organ’s wind chest! Most organ wind chests are mere inches tall, but the Kotzschmar’s wind chest is large enough for you to walk comfortably through it and see its intricate inner workings.
Backstage pipes tours are scheduled intermittently throughout the year. Additional tours are possible to schedule, depending on group size (typically a 10 person minimum) and the availability of Merrill Auditorium around ongoing concerts and events across multiple organizations. to find out the next available time and let us know about your interest.
Contact FOKO
Upcoming Tours
Tuesday, June 24th
2 PM
- Wednesday, July 30th
- 10 AM
- Thursday, August 21st
- 12 PM
To reserve your spot, simply click the link below for the date you're interested in:
June 24 at 2 PM: Sign up here
July 30 at 10 AM: Sign up here
August 21 at 12 PM: Sign up here
Space is limited, so please sign up as soon as possible! Once you’ve completed the form, you’ll be confirmed for the tour. A confirmation email with additional details will be sent one week before your selected date. If the tour reaches capacity, you will be notified and placed on the waitlist.
Tour Accessibility:
The tour requires standing and navigating stairs, narrow spaces, and heights.
Your entry and presence on the event premises constitutes your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media of your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with the Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ and its initiatives, including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news and advertising.
For more information contact us, or email Tours@foko.org