In recent weeks, many in our community have expressed concern about the future of the Casavant organ in Convocation Hall at the University of Alberta. Those concerns are sincere and reflect a deep appreciation for the instrument and the role it has played in the life of the university and the city. That attachment is very real and deserves the utmost respect.
At the same time, we have a responsibility to ensure that Convocation Hall can effectively serve our students and community members today and into the future. While its name reflects its history, the hall is no longer used for convocation ceremonies. It now serves primarily as a performance and teaching venue for the Department of Music in the Faculty of Arts, as well as a space for community events. The renewal of the hall — which will include the professional removal and re-homing of the 1978 Casavant organ — is being pursued to enhance the experience of students, performers, and audience members.
Why the Organ Must Be Removed
Three considerations are paramount, each grounded in our responsibility to provide an exceptional student experience, ensure broad community access, and honour the history entrusted to this space.
Accessibility Challenges
First, accessibility. Convocation Hall does not meet contemporary accessibility standards or current building codes. At present, the organ’s size and structural integration make it impossible for people with mobility challenges to access the balcony, which is only accessible via stairs. A space used for performances, teaching, and community events must be fully accessible for all.
Capacity and Functionality
Second, capacity and functionality. The renovation will increase seating by 40 per cent, adding approximately 150 seats, including many that will support the best viewing and listening experience. Demand for this space has long exceeded capacity. The renewal will allow more people to participate, while restoring the hall as closely as possible to its original 1915 design.
These first two objectives cannot be achieved while retaining the organ. That is the difficult reality at the centre of this decision.
Commitment to Remembrance
Third, is our commitment to remembrance. The entrance to Convocation Hall includes a memorial to members of the University of Alberta community who fell in the First and Second World Wars, and that history carries deep significance. For many, the Casavant organ has also been understood as a memorial instrument, and we recognize the depth of that association.
While the organ will be removed, we are working with partners, including the Royal Canadian Legion, to ensure this history is not only preserved but meaningfully strengthened. This will include the development of an expanded and formally rededicated memorial within Convocation Hall that honours both the organ’s commemorative role and those who have served Canada, including in conflicts since the Second World War. Our commitment is to ensure that the hall remains a dignified and enduring place of remembrance.
Finding a New Home for the Organ
The university is fully committed to finding a new home for the organ where it can continue to be played and appreciated. We have received several serious inquiries and will pursue them responsibly. The removal is not imminent, and when it occurs, it will be carried out to the highest professional standards. This precious instrument will be carefully dismantled and stored until a suitable home is secured. Our goal is to gift the organ to a charitable or not-for-profit organization that will be a good steward of the organ and properly support its next chapter.
We hold a deep appreciation for the organ, particularly its role in the education of Department of Music alumni. However, it is important to note that the university has not had a formal organ stream in the Bachelor of Music program for a number of years. The renewal of Convocation Hall is a necessary step to ensure it can continue to serve students and the community effectively for generations to come.
