About EROI

With the aim of making Rochester a global center for organ performance, research, building, and preservation, the Eastman School has begun to assemble a collection of new and historic organs unparalleled in North America. An incomparable teaching resource, this collection will offer access to organs of diverse styles and traditions to talented young musicians from around the world. Tourists, scholars, and music lovers will be drawn to Rochester to hear the varied sounds of these extraordinary instruments.

The realization of EROI will include the placement of two European-style organs in downtown Rochester. A historic Italian Baroque organ was installed in the University of Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery in 2005.  A new instrument closely modeled after a Lithuanian organ built by Casparini in 1776 will be constructed and installed in Christ Church (Episcopal) by 2008, in cooperation with the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester.  The renovation of the historic E.M. Skinner organ, housed in the Eastman School's Kilbourn Hall, and the restoration and replacement of the School’s 14 practice organs, will complete the initial phase of this 10-year plan.