Mission
Friends of the Erben Organ, Inc. was formed to support the restoration and conservation of the rare and monumental 1868 Henry Erben organ. It is the only three-keyboard Erben organ in existence, and is the only large, mid-nineteenth century pipe organ intact and unaltered in its original space: the New York City Landmark, the Basilica of St. Patricks Old Cathedral, which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A historic gem, the organ is a catalyst for the spiritual and artistic life of lower Manhattan, drawing music lovers and learners of all denominations, not only from the metropolitan area, but from around the world. With the decline of music education in public schools and the proliferation of commercial music on radio and television, Friends of the Erben Organ, Inc. supports the beauty of live musical performance not embraced by contemporary culture. It also supports the education and training of young musician and organists, afterschool music education progr