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It was Friday the 13th, 2004, and the residents of Cape Coral, Florida were hunkered down waiting for
Hurricane Charley to make landfall. Within a few hours it was evident to Jake and Claire Faasse that their home had sustained significant damage from the winds and water of the storm. A
decision was made to totally rebuild the house from the ground up. As organist at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers, it was important for Claire to design a home that would
accommodate a fine classical organ. After months of design and planning and over a year of construction, Claire & Jake moved into their new home complete with the installation of a new
Allen Quantum 58 stop 3-manual organ installed by Mathis Music in Sarasota.
Open House & Inaugural Organ Concert
The evening of October 19th began with a catered reception for members of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the A.G.O. and other invited guests. The guest organist for the evening was Aram Basmadjian, concert organist with the Allen Organ Co. of Macungie, Pa.
(Aram Basmadjian at the console with Claire & Jake Faasse)
Following a wonderful concert by Aram, guests enjoyed dessert followed by an opportunity for an open console. The console is located in a music room that is open to a large living room. The
installation includes a main organ above the console mounted high on the wall plus antiphonal
swell and choir divisions above the adjoining living area. The Allen console is equipped with wood
draw knobs and sharps, an Allen "Vista" midi division, as well as an adjustable lighted rack and adjustable bench.
(An evening of organ music enjoyed by all)
What began as a tragic day for much of Southwest Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley has ended in the creation of a beautiful home where the love of organ music can be enjoyed for
many years to come.
(L-R) – Jake & Claire Faasse, Aram Basmadjian, Tom Mathis-owner of Mathis Music, Ted Hayes, Manager of Allen Organ division of Mathis Music.
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