2 restored instruments debut at University of Chicago

Two rare musical instruments that have undergone more than $3 million worth of restorations are scheduled to debut in a concert at the University of Chicago next month.

It took three years and repair specialists from Ohio and the Netherlands, but a massive 1920s organ and what university officials call "the world's second largest" carillon are ready to make music again at the university's Rockefeller Memorial Chapel.

"The sound will be earth-shattering," Tom Weisflog, the university's organist, said in a news release. "The building will literally shake."

The free concert is June 7 at the chapel.

The organ was built by Ernest M. Skinner; some of its pipes are as high as four stories.

University officials said the instrument became damaged over the years from water, constant use and accumulated grime.

As a result the organ developed hundreds of dead notes, sticky pipes and air leaks.

In the restoration process, specialists from the Ohio-based Schantz Organ Company dismantled and sorted 7,000 organ pipes.

In its $2.1 million restoration -- partially paid for through a $1.6 million gift to the university in 2005 -- several organ parts have been rebuilt and a new tonal arch has been added for better sound.

"Originally, the sound came out of the side through the organ facade...and bounced around repeatedly," Weisflog said. "This change will greatly enhance the volume.

The organ now has 8,565 pipes.

The carillon, an instrument often used in bell towers, was built in 1932 in memory of John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s mother, Laura Spelman Rockefeller.

It has 72 bells ranging in size from 10.5 pounds to 18.5 tons. More than half of the instrument was dismantled and 46 bells were sent to the Royal Eijsbouts foundry in the Netherlands for restoration.

Wylie Crawford, the university's carillonneur, said before the restoration "some of the carillonneurs wouldn't play it. Now, with its full range restored, they're very eager."

Officials said carillon's renovation has been captured in a documentary which will be available online.