Allen Organ at Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris

As part of the monumental restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris following the devastating fire in 2019, a significant musical addition has been made: an Allen Organ, built right here in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, now graces the iconic cathedral.

The Cunningham Organ Group is proud to represent Allen Organs, a company with a rich legacy of craftsmanship and innovation. The inclusion of an Allen Organ in one of the world’s most renowned religious landmarks is a testament to the brand’s reputation for quality and artistry.

The newly rebuilt cathedral, along with the installed Allen Organ, was unveiled during a high-profile reopening ceremony attended by dignitaries and officials from around the world. Steve Markowitz, President of Allen Organ, expressed immense pride in his company's involvement with the Notre-Dame restoration.

“It’s obviously a thrill for us as an organ builder to be part of this significant moment in history,” Markowitz said. “When our work is accepted in a prestigious institution like Notre-Dame, it’s more than just a sale – it’s an affirmation of the artistic and technical excellence we strive for.”

Founded in 1937 by Jerome Markowitz, Allen Organ has been at the forefront of electronic musical instrument innovation for decades. This milestone underscores the company's continued impact on the world stage.

The opportunity for Allen Organ to contribute to the restoration of Notre-Dame arose from the company’s long-standing relationships in France’s music community.

“We’ve been doing business in France for many years,” Markowitz explained. “Our connections within the organist and church community there were instrumental in making this project possible.”

One of Allen’s local representatives in Paris facilitated the contract with the decision-makers at Notre-Dame, securing a place for the organ in this historic rebuild.

Notre-Dame Cathedral houses two organs: the grand organ and the choir organ. The grand organ, located in the balcony, is primarily used for concerts and remains intact. The choir organ, however, was destroyed in the fire and required a replacement.

“The new organ we provided is a temporary solution while they await a new pipe organ,” Markowitz shared. “Our digital organ will serve the cathedral’s needs in the interim.”

The Allen Organ installed in Notre-Dame features a custom finish to match the cathedral’s interior. The process of transporting the organ from Macungie, Pennsylvania, to Paris was remarkably smooth.

“We ship organs all over the world, and it’s actually easier to ship one of our digital organs than it is to ship a piano,” Markowitz noted. “The tone generation in our product is digital, making it essentially a fine piece of furniture housing sophisticated digital technology.”

The organ was carefully crated, flown to Paris, and delivered by truck to Notre-Dame. Thanks to Allen Organ’s experienced staff, including French-speaking team members, the logistics were handled seamlessly.

Allen Organ’s involvement in the Notre-Dame restoration is a proud moment for the Cunningham Organ Group. As the exclusive Allen Organ dealer for the Philadelphia region, we are honored to represent a brand that plays such a significant role in preserving musical traditions while embracing modern innovation.

For more information about Allen Organs, their history, and their contributions to the world of music, visit the official Allen Organ website or contact Cunningham Organ Group to learn more about how these remarkable instruments can enrich your musical experience.