The current fine two manual pipe organ was built in about 1939 by Balbiani Vegezzi Bossi of Milan, shortly after the one in Como Cathedral. Indeed it seems to be a miniature replica of it, at least as regards the console. It was installed in the church that very same year and in this connection there is quite an interesting anecdote (if one can believe village gossip!). Apparently the Bishop of Gibraltar was visiting the area in the 1930s and was very impressed by the organ in the Roman Catholic Church of Griante (above Cadenabbia), saying that an instrument by the same builders must be installed in our church. After the works had terminated, the local parish priest demanded his commission (and was furious when he did not receive it!). This story was told by the former manager of the Hotel Victoria where Luigi and Celestino Balbiani stayed while actually installing the instrument).

We are very grateful for the interest shown by the Italian-Brazilian conductor Martinho Lutero Galati De Oliveira, Robert Michaels, organist and master of choristers, Lugano Cathedral, as well as Kathryn Armour and Terrence Gauss-Woolen, who have been running voice masterclasses on the lake for many years.

Ten years ago the organ was fully restored and renovated, thanks to donations from well-wishers and lovers of church music. With our regular master organist German Torre, it continues to be a spiritual inspiration in our Sunday worship and wedding blessings.  It needs specialised annual maintenance, and so we are grateful for any specific donations for the organ.

Organ connoisseurs can find a full specification of the instrument on our website