Introduction by the President of ISO

Gerhard Grenzing
ISO President

The organ was invented over 2000 years ago and since then it has been evolving constantly. The mission of today’s organ builder is to watch over and preserve these important cultural values by restoring historical instruments for future generations.

At the same time, creative planning and searching for new horizons is an important part of our job on every continent as we build new pipe organs, which are also considered true works of art, for churches, concert halls, music schools or private homes.

Since its founding in Amsterdam in 1957 the International Society of Organbuilders (ISO) has been the nexus for professional organ builders. Its goal is to promote an atmosphere in which professionals might find a forum for sharing knowledge and discussing professional concerns for the betterment of everyone involved, an exchange of information in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

The ISO stands for high quality pipe organs and encourages creativity through exploring a variety of different styles and methods. Today the ISO is made up of 300 Firms in 36 countries around the world.

The ISO also organizes different workshops held in a variety of locations. Their main purpose is to expand and deepen our knowledge of organ building related topics. The ISO also cares for exchange of apprentices and officials.

Every two years members organize a week-long Congress in which we discuss the specific features of organs and builders in their respective countries. This is an ideal time for all those who attend to get to know the organs of a specific country, the organ builders and their families and to make new international friends in a convivial atmosphere.

In September 2007, the ISO celebrated its 50th birthday in Amsterdam, the city where our society was founded. Unlike previous Congresses, an International Symposium provided meeting and exchange of opinions involving all the professionals with whom we organ builders work or with whom we collaborate in some way or other.

For September 2008 our Congress - www.pomerania2008.com - is in the planning stages. It will be held in Stettin (Poland) and Stralsund (Germany). In August 2010, it will be held in Montreal.

Our professional magazine, ISO Journal, is issued three times a year in French, English and German. It has more than 500 non-ISO subscribers. This means that it is a very important medium of communication between we organ builders and those people interested in or involved with the organ worldwide.

The ISO is governed by a Board of four elected members: one president, two vice presidents and a treasurer as well as five appointed members, including the magazine editor and.the publisher. There is also a secretary who is in charge of ordinary business matters and correspondence.