Featured Installations
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church
North Hollywood, California
During the 1980’s, Rodgers established a complete pipe organ division within its factory and was instrumental in the creation of several all-pipe instruments. Most notably are the 198-rank pipe organ at Second Baptist Church, Houston, Texas and the 80-rank all pipe instrument in Glendora, California at Glenkirk Presbyterian Church.
Alan Van Zoeren, a world renown pipe organ designer and tonal finisher, chaired the new pipe department at Rodgers. Several Rodgers instruments were built under his name; St. Monica’s Catholic church in Santa Monica, California and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in La Quinta, California. Robert Tall & Associates, Inc. was the Southern California representative for both Rodgers electronic organs and Rodgers/Van Zoeren pipe organs.
One of Van Zoeren’s greatest achievements was the design, building and tonal finishing of the 4-manual, 130-rank pipe organ in the gallery of one of Los Angeles’ most revered churches, St. Charles Borromeo in North Hollywood. Exemplifying the Spanish colonial style, the church conveys a spirit of serenity and repose. Construction was completed in 1959.
The magnificent Van Zoeren pipe organ was installed and dedicated in a three-day celebration, culminating with a Mass of Thanksgiving and Inaugural Concert on Sunday, November 10, 1983. The instrument provides a fitting accompaniment to the internationally known Saint Charles Choir. The late and renown grammy-nominated, Paul Salamunovich, directed the choirs and led the music program there for over 60 years.
