A 3D Printed Organ Helps Ring in the Near Year in Helsinki

Every year on January 1st, concerts around the world ring in the New Year in a lively and musical way. The traditional New Year’s concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, for example, attracts millions of people every year who do not want to miss the traditional concert. But other cultural venues and capital cities also attract attention with their musical performances at the start of the year. At the Helsinki Music Centre, a 3D-printed organ by organ builder Rieger celebrated its premiere on January 1st and set the mood for 2024. French organist Olivier Latry was on the bench for the organ inauguration, and the 3D-printed Rieger organ is expected to be played by other internationally renowned organists in the following concerts.

The 3D-printed Rieger organ is not only the largest organ in Finland and the whole of Scandinavia, but is one of the largest organs in the world. It combines elements of traditional organ building with modern 3D printing technology and has a total of over 260 meters of sounding pipes and wind lines. These are made of 100% recyclable, Finnish, wood-based UPM Formi 3D biocomposite for a special sound. The Rieger organ is also visually impressive, as the pipes and wind lines are interwoven into a modern sculpture in front of the organ case.

Jan Lehtola and the 3D-printed organ (photo credits: JUHANI NIIRANEN / HS).

In terms of sound, the organ covers a broad spectrum. As it is a hybrid organ, it follows neither geographical nor music-historical sound ideals and allows for a diverse repertoire. It offers various features for sound possibilities and playing technique. The movable soundboard, for example, turns the organ into a super synthesizer that controls the sound. This is particularly interesting for organists who specialize in more modern pieces. Yesterday, listeners were able to enjoy the different sounds, as the program ranged from Johann Sebastian Bach to the Romantic period and the 20th century.