“Donors needed for restoration of pipe organ”

Father Esteban Kross on Friday held a press conference to announce that the Cathedral Basilica is looking for donors to finance the restoration of the biggest pipe organ in Suriname. Surinamese citizens can choose to adopt a pipe of the organ individually, as family or as a company. The restoration of the pipe organ will cost an estimated € 242,600. “The Maarschalkerweerd organ or the pipe organ urgently needs restoration. The pipe organ which has 1,344 pipes is one of the biggest ones in South America and that is reason enough to preserve it,” said Father Kross. Church officials initially sought help for the restoration project in Holland but the costs were put at half a million euros which is why the officials decided to opt for local experts. This has also reduced the costs of the restoration project. The restoration project has been divided into 6 phases. The first phase, the preparation of relocation of the pipe organ, has already been completed and cost €21,000. The other phases will last about 4 years. Organ specialist Rudi van Straten who is a a member of a special committee will reportedly supervise the restoration of the pipe organ. Jurgen Rayman who is also on the committee will reportedly hold a fundraiser in Holland for the restoration project. The concert will reportedly be held in January 2019. Father Kross is scheduled to attend the concert. Fundraising activities will also take place in Suriname. The first one was held in the Basilica on December 3. Adoption fees range from € 25 for the smallest pipes to € 300 for the biggest pipes. The Maarschalkerweerd organ was constructed especially for the Cathedral in 1890. It was only used on rare occasions in 1940 and therefore fell into disrepair. The organ pipe was modernized in 1963. Pipes were regularly stolen when the Cathedral was closed from 1989 until 2004.