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#KnowTheO: The Strauss Performing Arts Center's Casavant Pipe Organ

The highlight of the Jan and John Christensen Concert Hall is the Casavant Organ. It has called the Strauss Performing Arts Center home for 35 years.

  • published: 2021/07/09
  • contact: University Communications - University Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu

Unless you are a School of Music student, faculty or staff member; or attendee of any of the dozens of concerts held on the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) campus each year, the Strauss Performing Arts Center is hidden gem on the University of Nebraska at Omaha's (UNO) Dodge Campus. The building's main performance space is the Jan and John Christensen Concert Hall that seats 422 with impressive acoustic isolation. The highlight of the Concert Hall is the Casavant Organ.


Quick Facts About the Casavant Organ

  • Arrived at UNO in October 1985 in 5,000 separate pieces, including 2,677 pipes in 48 different ranks, 31 stops, and more

  • The organ is 28 feet tall, 29 feet wide, weighs 17 tons, and required tuning by a team from Paris, France

  • Paid for by a donation from Willis and Janet Strauss to the University of Nebraska Foundation

  • Casavant Freres said it was “their best instrument ever” after the organ was dedicated in April 1986

  • UNO students can specialize in organ studies

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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