The newly installed Svatovítské organ in St. Vitus Cathedral on Prague Castle has officially been blessed, marking a significant milestone in the restoration and enhancement of one of the most important religious sites in the Czech Republic. The ceremony took place during a liturgy led by Prague Archbishop Stanislav Přibyl on Monday afternoon, starting at 17:00. The blessing was performed by Jan Graubner, the former archbishop who previously held the position before Přibyl. This event signified the culmination of a long-standing project aimed at replacing the cathedral’s aging organ with a state-of-the-art instrument capable of enriching both religious services and cultural performances.
The new organ, crafted by German master organ builder Gerhard Grenzing, represents a major investment. According to Vojtěch Mátl, chairman of the board of the Svatovítské Organ Foundation, the total cost of the project will reach up to 160 million Czech crowns. As of now, around 154 million crowns have already been raised through public donations, with approximately 32 million allocated for taxes. The foundation continues to accept contributions, particularly for the final few pipes that remain to be funded. The public can still participate in the fundraising effort, which has been ongoing for over a decade.
The organ itself is a marvel of engineering and artistry. It features four manuals, a pedalboard, 122 stops, and 5,755 pipes—most made of metal, some wooden, and others known as "tongue" pipes. The design includes two playing consoles, one built-in and the other mobile, allowing for flexibility in performance. The organ is driven by five separate air supply systems, with a maximum capacity of 178 cubic meters of air per minute. Inside the instrument lies a computer system equipped with memory storage, contributing to its advanced functionality. Weighing over 45.5 tons, the organ required reinforcement of the western choir of the cathedral to support its weight.
Design elements also reflect a blend of tradition and modernity. Inspired by the restoration of Paris's Notre-Dame Cathedral after its fire, the organ’s aesthetic incorporates 180 crystal decorations designed by Peter Olah of Škoda Design, modeled after the Panská Skála near Kamenický Šenov in Českolipsko. These embellishments add visual splendor to the otherwise dark interior of the cathedral, where the pipes appear almost to float.
The construction of this new organ follows a long history of musical instruments within the cathedral. According to Štěpán Svoboda, the chief organologist of the Prague Archdiocese, discussions about a new instrument began as early as the 1920s. However, due to historical and financial constraints, progress was slow until recent years when the idea gained momentum again. The current project, initiated in 2012 by Cardinal Dominik Duka, reflects a renewed commitment to preserving and enhancing the cathedral’s musical heritage.
During the blessing ceremony, the organ played compositions by Antonín Dvořák, George Frideric Handel, Joseph Haydn, and Camille Saint-Saëns, accompanied by the Czech Philharmonic. This performance highlighted the organ’s versatility and dynamic range, from the softest pianissimo to powerful tutti passages. The event was also a tribute to donors who contributed to the project but did not live to see its completion. Similar tributes are planned for future concerts scheduled throughout June, culminating in a televised gala concert on June 21.
The installation of the new organ coincides with broader restoration efforts within the cathedral. These include repairs to the southern windows of the high choir, which were damaged and require replacement with new elements made of natural sandstone. The work involves meticulous conservation of historic murals, cleaning stone surfaces, repairing cracks, and restoring stained glass windows. These efforts aim to preserve the cathedral’s architectural integrity while ensuring it remains accessible to visitors without restricting access.
The restoration project underscores the importance of maintaining Prague Castle’s historical structures, which have faced challenges ranging from natural wear to wartime damage. Previous restorations included repairs to the circular balustrade, gargoyles, and other stone elements on the northwestern tower of the cathedral and the Kůrova chapel beneath the Wolmut music gallery, where morning masses are held.
As the new organ begins its role in the cathedral, it promises to elevate the spiritual experience of worshippers and provide a platform for world-class musical performances. With its intricate design, technological sophistication, and deep connection to the cathedral’s history, the Svatovítské organ stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of sacred music and the collaborative spirit of those who supported its creation.
5 reports
ČT24State / PublicCenterFactual 88Objective 8221 days agoThe new organs in St. Vitus Cathedral on Prague Castle have reached a final cost of up to 160 million Czech crowns. The majority of funds have already been collected through public donations, with ongoing opportunities for contributions. The organs were blessed during a Sunday liturgy led by Archbishop Stanislav Přibil, with former Archbishop Jan Graubner performing the blessing. The project was inspired by the restoration of the organs in Paris' Notre-Dame Cathedral after its fire. The construction followed specific guidelines for mechanical structures, making it potentially the first such in
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the installation of new organs in St. Vitus Cathedral, including costs, funding sources, and ceremonial events. There is no evident political framing, bias, or ideological emphasis. The content focuses on cultural and historical aspects without taking a
Why these scores (Factual 88 · Objective 82): This article includes specific figures and quotes from officials, aligning with the cross-source consensus. It mentions the inspiration from Notre-Dame restoration and the role of donors. The tone remains neutral, though there is a brief mention of video content which might suggest promotional inten
Novinky.czIndependentCenterFactual 86Objective 8521 days agoThe article reports on the installation of new organs in St. Vitus Cathedral on Prague Castle. The organs were funded by a public collection exceeding 135 million Czech crowns, managed by the Svatovítské Varhany Foundation over 14 years. The organs were crafted by German organ builder Gerhard Grenzing. A blessing ceremony will take place on Monday, followed by six concerts culminating in a televised concert on June 21.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the installation of new organs in a cathedral, including funding details, the foundation involved, and upcoming events. There is no evident political framing, bias, or ideological emphasis.
Why these scores (Factual 86 · Objective 85): The article offers clear facts about the donation process, the number of contributors, and the expected completion date. It maintains objectivity by focusing on events and figures without emotional language. Some data is repeated but still supports the overall narrative.
Seznam ZprávyIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8021 days agoThe purchase of new organs for St. Vitus Cathedral on Prague Castle will cost up to 160 million Czech crowns. The chairman of the board of the Svatovítské varhany Foundation, Vojtěch Mátl, stated this during a press conference. Most of the funds have already been collected through donations, with the public still able to contribute. The new instrument was blessed by former Archbishop Jan Graubner during a liturgy led by current Archbishop Stanislav Přibyl. The construction of the organs, designed by Gerhard Grenzing, includes four manuals, a pedal, 122 registers, and 5,755 pipes. The design, a
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the construction and blessing of new cathedral organs without taking a political stance or showing bias. It focuses on cultural and historical aspects rather than political issues.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): The article provides detailed information about the new organs in the cathedral, including cost, construction details, and the blessing ceremony. It cites sources like the builder and main organologist. However, some technical specifications may lack verification, and there is slight emphasis on the
Aktuálně.czIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 8021 days agoThe article reports on the upcoming consecration of new organs at St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle, which will take place during a Sunday service with a performance of Antonín Dvořák's 'Lužanská' mass. The project took 14 years to complete and was funded by over 13,500 donors contributing more than 135 million Czech crowns. The event will be followed by six concerts culminating in a televised gala concert on June 21. The article also mentions that the public had an opportunity to hear the organ's sound during the funeral of Cardinal Dominik Duka last November. According to Jaroslav Tůma, a
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the consecration of new organs at St. Vitus Cathedral, including details about funding, timeline, and related events. There is no evident political framing, bias, or ideological slant in the reporting.
Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 80): While this article covers related maintenance work on the cathedral, it diverges slightly from the main topic of the new organs. It provides useful context about ongoing repairs but lacks direct connection to the central event. Objectivity is maintained through factual reporting.
Novinky.czIndependentCenter24 days ago One of the oldest parts of the Cathedral of Saint Petersburg is being repairedExperts have begun restoring one of the oldest parts of St. Vitus Cathedral on Prague Castle. The team of restorers, stonemasons, and other specialists is focusing on the restoration of the window structure of the high choir and the supporting pillar in the southern part of the cathedral, built between 1372 and 1374. Work is being carried out simultaneously inside and outside the historic site.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses a cultural restoration project with no political implications or framing. It provides factual information about ongoing work at a historical site without any ideological emphasis or biased language.
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