Australian Brandenburg Orchestra
Continuo organ
Stored at Holy Name Catholic Church, Wahroonga
Mander Organs, London, 2003
1 manual, 4 speaking stops, mechanical action

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Chamber Organ
[Photograph by Steven Godbee (March 2011)]
The Mander Chamber organ at Holy Name Priory, Wahroonga
[Photograph by James Goldrick (June 2019)]
In 2002, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra commissioned Mander Organs of London to construct a four rank continuo organ. Funds for the construction of the instrument were raised solely by the Brandenburg Friends Association and the organ was first heard in public during the "Coronation" concert series in October 2003 at City Recital Hall Angel Place.
The instrument was the first Mander organ to be delivered to Australia and was closely followed by the installation of a 2 manual instrument in the "Big School" Hall at Sydney Grammar School in College Street.
One of the unique features of the organ is the full compass Principal 4' which extends to bottom C. The lowest notes of this rank are constructed from Quebec pine, mitred and mounted in the base of the instrument. Some of this rank also appears in the pipe façade along with some of the Fifteenth. The need for an organ that was to be generous in scaling and yet portable was a challenge for the builders.
The case was constructed from untreated Brazilian mahogany and the carving of the pipe-shades and the pierced panels was executed in untreated limewood. From an aesthetic (and practical) point of view, it was considered important that the blower be concealed inside the case. The key naturals are covered in bone and the sharps in ebony. Removable doors are also fitted to the front of the case to protect the polished tin façade from damage during transportation.
The Australian harpsichord builder Marc Nobel, who undertook the decoration of the casework, also designed the carving for the pipe-shades and suggested the original scheme of the pipe façade. When not in use, the organ is stored at the Ermington works of Peter D.G. Jewkes.
The specification is:
| Stopped Diapason Principal Chimney Flute Fifteenth |
8 4 4 2 |
Drawstop console
All stops divided bass and treble at middle C (b24/c25 @ A415)
Compass: 54 notes
Keyboard: retractable and transposable to A440
Pitch: A415 tuneable to A430
Mechanical action
Consultant: Stephen Bydder
Advisor: Peter Jewkes
Stephen Bydder [April 2011]




[All photographs above by Steven Godbee (March 2011)]
The organ at the Jewkes' works in Ermington, shortly after its arrival and assembly, prior to decoration.
[Photograph by Peter Jewkes (August 2003)]