Historic 18th-Century Organ Restored in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The Royal Canarian Academy of Fine Arts will unveil the restored 18th-century organ at the Church of San Francisco de Asís in Santa Cruz de Tenerife with a celebratory concert this Thursday.
The restoration of the historic organ at the Church of San Francisco de Asís in Santa Cruz de Tenerife reaches a major milestone this Thursday. The Royal Canarian Academy of Fine Arts (Racba) will officially unveil the restored 18th-century instrument at 8:00 p.m. with a concert. Admission is free, though seating is limited.
This project, supported by the Cabildo of Tenerife and the Diocese of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, highlights the importance of protecting the region's often-overlooked musical heritage. Rosario Álvarez, president of the Academy, championed the initiative to showcase the organ’s unique history. Unlike many instruments on the island that were imported, this organ was crafted locally in La Laguna between 1778 and 1781 by a mainland artisan who had settled in the Canary Islands.
Technically, the organ is a fine example of the Castilian-Andalusian style. Built from Canary Island pine, it is an impressive structure, measuring 3.20 meters wide, 1.38 meters deep, and 4.40 meters high, topped with an ornate crest.
To celebrate the restoration, organist Arturo Barba Sevillano will perform a program titled A Reborn Voice. Barba Sevillano, a renowned international performer and professor at the Valencia Conservatory, has curated a repertoire featuring Baroque and Renaissance masters, including Johann Sebastian Bach, Johann Pachelbel, Antonio de Cabezón, Pablo Bruna, Juan Bautista Cabanilles, and Martín y Coll.
With his extensive background in music, research, and historical organ performance, Barba Sevillano is uniquely qualified to showcase the restored instrument’s capabilities, marking a significant return for this piece of Canarian cultural history.