Austin Organs - January 2006

On January 27, 2006, Marilyn H. Austin, (above center), the former Chairman and CEO of Austin Organs, Incorporated announced that factory operations have resumed at 156 Woodland Street in Hartford, Connecticut following reorganization. It is important to note that the company has remained open, supporting Austin instruments and service personnel. After several months of discussion and diligence, Austin Acquisition, Inc. has purchased the outstanding shares of Austin Organs, Incorporated and appointed Richard G. Taylor as Chief Executive Officer (above left) and Michael B. Fazio (above right) as President and Tonal Director.

Building organs since 1893, Austin is one of the largest and oldest companies in the organ industry. The new management will continue the Austin heritage of dependability and will restore its role as a major force in American organ building. Key factory personnel from the firm have been recalled and further expansion is anticipated. In addition, many of the regional sales and service firms throughout the United States and abroad have reaffirmed their commitment to the Austin Organ, and are enthusiastic about the renewed life in the company.

While the ownership and daily operation of the company has passed from the Austin family, Marilyn Austin, (wife of the late Donald B. Austin,) has agreed to remain involved with the new management. In his first formal act as President, Michael Fazio appointed her “Executive Consultant, and CEO Emeritus.” Although she was pressed into the position as CEO following his passing, she performed the job with assiduousness and resolve. Her daughter, Kimberlee Austin was President of the firm from 1999-2005. Also, for the first time in company history, the principals of the firm are both church organists. For the past 16 years, they have operated American Classic Organ Co., Ltd. of Chester, Connecticut. Click here for more information: Managing Partners

In a letter dated January 27, 2006 addressed to the new owners, Mrs. Austin states, “It gives me great pleasure that we have finally completed our negotiations and that you are now the new owners of Austin Organs, Inc. After spending the last few months with you, I can see that you have the best interest of the Company at heart. You have shown that you want to build organs with all the integrity that Austin has been known for over the many 113 years…your enthusiasm is remarkable.”

In the words of Orpha Ochse in her work Austin Organs published in 2001 by the Organ Historical Society, “The Austin motto has always had the priorities right; science cannot determine, dominate, eclipse or degrade art. It bows to the requirements of art; science is a servant of art; Science Aids Art: SCIENTIA ARTEM ADJUVAT.”

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