The Kotzschmar Organ is one of the oldest working municipal pipe organ in the United States. It resides on the stage of Merrill Auditorium and celebrated its 100th anniversary in August 2012.

Whether you are drawn to the music, the world-renowned artists who travel to play here, the historical significance of the pipe organ or the excellence of our educational programs, make a point to visit the Kotzschmar Organ on your next trip to Portland, Maine.

Select from a wide variety of concerts including jazz, classical, and pops.
Please note: This majestic symphonic pipe organ built by the Austin Organ Company in 1912 is undergoing a complete, professional renovation by Foley-Baker, Inc of Tolland, CT.

While the organ is out for renovation, our municipal organist, Ray Cornils and guest artists will be featured on some of Maine’s most prominent pipe organs.

Summer Series: Felix Hell, July 16, 2013 Ray Cornils and Festival Brass, August 13, 2013 Cathedral of St. Luke, State St. Portland.

Tickets are available through the FOKO office 207-553-4363.
Concerts begin at 7:30 pm with a pre-concert talk with the artist at 6:30 pm.

Other concerts will be featured throughout the 2013 season.

The organ will return to Merrill in September 2014.

Municipal Organist Ray Cornils has served Portland and the Kotzschmar Organ since 1990. Cornils performs several times each year and hosts the popular Kotzschmar Konversation with visiting artists prior to their concerts.

Founded in 1981, the Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ (FOKO) is a non-profit organization that supports the Kotzschmar Organ, the municipal organ of Portland, Maine. Each year the organization presents15-20 concerts, engaging renowned organists and guest artists from around the world. The Kotzschmar Organ is housed in the 1900-seat Merrill Auditorium (formerly City Hall Auditorium) which is attached to Portland City Hall.

Mission FOKO is dedicated to the care and maintenance of the organ and providing funds to produce and promote concerts, maintain, repair and enhance the organ, sponsor lectures and organ demonstrations and tours and support a growing education program to bring awareness and understanding of this musical gem of Portland.