Municipal Organists of
the City of Portland

Beginning in 1912, Portland’s Municipal Organists were auditioned and selected by a city-appointed Music Commission. In 1976, Douglas Rafter was selected by an Ad Hoc committee assembled by the City Manager’s office. After Mr. Rafter resigned in 1981, the Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ was formed and assumed responsibility of selecting municipal organists. Once an organist has been chosen, his or her name is put before the Portland City Council for official approval. Dr. Malcolm Cass, a founding and former member of the FOKO board, once served as interim Municipal Organist during 1981-1982.