Popularly known as the Las Piñas Church, St. Joseph Church is also famous for its bamboo
organ - the only one of its kind in the world. The church was built between1792 and 1819 by Fr. Diego Cera, a versatile Recollect friar. Fr. Cera was a musician, architect, organ builder, botanist physician and geologist. He constructed the bamboo organ in 1816. In 1850, the church and the organ were severely destroyed by earthquakes. Although the church was rebuilt 38 years later, the organ was not discovered until 1911. Over the next 50 years, partial repairs were done, but it was not until 1973 that the whole organ was shipped to Germany for restoration. Fully restored, it was returned to the Philippines in March 1975, installed once again in Las Piñas Church and has been played regularly since. On occasion the church sponsors organ concerts and recitals for it famous choir.
No comments:
Post a Comment