- Ronald Sharp
Ronald Sharp (b.1929) is an organ builder based in
Sydney ,Australia .He specialises in mechanical,
tracker action instruments, and was responsible for re-introducing mechanical action to Australia. His tracker actionbaroque organ s are particularly famous. Although sometimes criticised as having a unique and characteristic tonal design, rather than an authentic "organ" tone, this tone has come to be much appreciated by some authorities and players.Sharp is self-taught and has always been dedicated to finding the true way for the benefit of whatever project is encompassed.
His notable instruments include:
*
Sydney Opera House Grand Organ , one of the largest mechanical action organs ever built, opened in 1979.
*Knox Grammar School chapel organ, a tracker action Classical style organ, with 3 manuals, 31 speaking stops, 1 coupler, opened in 1965.
*Ormond College Organ, altered from his design in 1992 and no longer regarded as an authentic Sharp.
*Perth Concert Hall organ, opened in 1973, mechanical and electric action, 3000 pipes.
*St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney , organ in the triforium above the chancel intended as a two manual sixteen stop choir organ but never completed. Construction began in 1959 and was discontinued in 1971 with only two 16' pedal stops and fourteen manual stops installed.
*A small practice organ in the home of Norman Johnston, 1964.
*Wollonging Town Hall . A two manual and pedal mechanical actioned classical style organ. Twenty-two stops. 1968
*St John the Baptist Church, Reid , A two manual and pedal mechanical action organ enclosed in an expression case. St John's is Canberra's oldest Church.
*Canberra School of Music , A one manual seven stop portable organ.
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