I just want to pass along my heartfelt BRAVOS for the magnificent new organ you built for St. John's Baptist in Charlotte.  I had the great pleasure of playing there this past Monday night, and I must say it seems the perfect organ for that space.  It's so easy and gratifying to play - very comfortable console, and every stop does just what you hope it will (a rare situation, as you know!).  They had a big and attentive crowd, and it was one of the most enjoyable recitals I've played in a long time.  THANK YOU for the wonderful work you are doing.

Your instruments are a reminder of  how rewarding organ playing can be!

With every good wish, as ever, Todd Wilson (e-mail April 2009)

In our recital book, on Opus 95:

"Magnifique instrument avec un toucher (le Positif!) divin.  Cet après-midi du 14 avril 2007, on lui a demandé de sonner grandiose, comme un Cavaillé-Coll.  Il peut le faire.  Bravo!"

A magnificent instrument with a sense of touch that is divine (the Positif!)  On this afternoon of April 14, 2007, I asked it to sound grandiose like a Cavaillé-Coll.  It can do it.  Bravo!"

Marie-Louise Langlais

I had occasion to do some practicing at the Church of the Ascension and St. Agnes and wanted to let you know that I thought, and think, the organ there is absolutely ravishing! It is perfectly suited to the room and gorgeous in every way… I loved looking inside the organ and seeing how neat, compact and well done it was. While I know all of your work is first rate, you really got this one right. It was terrific to be able to practice there and do so on such lovely, lovely sounds! Sobravos to everyone at Letourneau for this gem here in the city! Nice to know it’s just a hop, skip and a jump away!

 "This organ, I believe, may be the finest instrument in the state of Florida....It is an absolutely spectacular instrument."

  It is an elegant, beautiful sound that fills the room without being harsh... the organ has an uncanny sensitivity to the player’s intentions or lack of same; it continually challenges the player to play better.

 – Ernie Drown, Director of Music at Church of Christ at Dartmouth College 

People continue to be impressed with the warmth and empowerment the new organ provides for the choir and congregational singing.  This instrument could not be in a happier congregation… even our most outspoken critic has come full circle to sing the praises of the instrument!

 -- An e-mail from Dan Holland, Director of Music, First United Methodist Church, Clinton, North Carolina on March 1, 2007. 

  "It would be an understatement to say that I enjoy playing the Opus 22. I savour each opportunity. Your instrument in my old college chapel is a veritable Rolls Royce."

Pastor de Lasala, St. Aloysius' College, Milson's Point, NSW, Australia, October 2006. 

 Excerpts from a live concert review:

One of Houston's major Episcopal churches has beefed up the city's musical life with a mighty new pipe organ. The impressive Létourneau organ at the Church of St. John the Divine in the River Oaks area had its first major public outing last weekend in a concert with the Moores School Symphony Orchestra of the University of Houston… [the] performance suggested fans of pipe organs and organ music will have a lot to enjoy in future events.

 …the Létourneau is not a typical church organ. Some of its key features were patterned on the famous Wanamaker Organ found in the old Wanamaker's department store in Philadelphia.  Particularly unusual is the Létourneau's division of pipes comprising solely string stops. A few other Wanamaker sounds were also mimicked, giving the Létourneau the flavour of a concert / theatre organ that can rumble — clearly — with anything. Organist John Gearhart, St. John's Director of Music Ministries, demonstrated that capacity at the end of [the Saint-Saëns “Organ” Symphony]. He let out a roar of sound that competed, air burst for air burst, with everything the UH symphony could offer. At that moment, the organ was the "King of Instruments."

Gearhart and his associate, organist Steven Newberry, found combinations of sound that suited both works easily and idiomatically. Newberry led [the Rheinberger Concerto No. 1 in F] with tasteful solo playing.  In the symphony, Gearhart made sure he and the organ were part of the ensemble, as it should be. Both organists let the instrument's beguiling quiet side show… a key asset was how crisply the pipes sound — or "speak," as organists say.

Charles Ward, The Houston Chronicle, October 4, 2006. 

I wanted to write and thank you for your work on the organ… I myself will be playing my first recital on the organ … and as I begin to prepare for it, I am astounded by the wide range of colours and dynamic graduations that the organ is capable of.  The organ is truly a showpiece and one of the outstanding instruments in New York City… Thank you again for all your support and attention to our instrument.  Every day when I practice I am reminded of how fortunate we are to have this organ at our disposal.  Keep up the good work!

David Macfarlane, Director of Music, Church of the Holy Trinity (Roman Catholic), New York, New York (letter from February, 1999)

In the end, a musical instrument must make outstanding sounds.  This organ makes unforgettable musical utterances whose impressions last long after the hall is dark and silent.  The JordanOrgan in Legacy Hall has proven itself particularly adept in chamber works, functioning with many standard and avant garde combinations.  The tonal finishing provided by the flue and reed voicers of Orgues Létourneau has provided an instrument of great beauty and power and communicative impact.  This organ has a singular sound and leaves a unique and lasting impression on the listener.  It has a mechanical [key] action of enormous sensitivity, and this, wedded to the memorable sounds, makes playing Opus 60 a highly satisfying experience for every artist who spends time on the bench.

Joseph Golden, University Organist and Professor of Organ, the Schwob School of Music, Columbus State University (letter from July, 2005)

It gives me great pleasure to write on behalf of Orgues Létourneau.  The organ they built for the Winspear Centre in Edmonton is simply one of the great organs of the world!  Their high professionalism in design and construction of organs goes without saying, but what struck me so forcible in Edmonton was the artistry of their voicing.  What a magnificent and beautifully musical instrument it is!

Christopher Herrick, Concert Organist (letter from July 2005)

I’ll always enthusiastically support Létourneau, not only because of our long friendship and professional collaboration, but especially because I believe you design and build some of the world’s finest instruments.  Your work defines the direction modern organbuilding should take in the future.

James Kibbie, Professor of Organ, the University of Michigan (e-mail from August, 2005)

Private studio, practice organs Opus 7

James D. Hildreth, The American Organist, September 2005, Volume 39, no. 9.

I want to thank you for the exceptional work that Létourneau performed in providing such a splendid organ for the Spiritual Center at Penn State University.  Your willingness to accommodate our design concerns for an organ appropriate for our modern worship space is much appreciated.  Your attention to details and genuine interest in providing the client with the best possible organ is also much appreciated… it has been a pleasure to work with you.  You provide such professional, yet warm and caring service that I would very much look forward to working with you again.

James Oleg Kruhly, FAIA, Architect, Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, Penn State (letter from November, 2005)

Last week I was in Dallas for business and I learned of your opus at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano, Texas.  I decided to take some time to experience it.  What an instrument!  I was absolutely thrilled at what I heard.  There was such cohesion and power; the principals, the flutes, the strings – wow!  I was especially drawn to the Festival Trumpet and the Tuba.  This is the first organ to convince me that a Tuba is virtually indispensable.  I also fell in love with the Swell Oboe.

Melvin West, Organ Consultant (e-mail from December, 2005)