Awards
Photograph and announcement P47 Australian Wood Review Magazine
Graham won 3rd Prize in the Festool/AWR National Fine Woodwork Award for the continuo organs
Reviews
"The completion of the new Pipe Organs WA instrument in John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School marks a new era in Australian organ building."
"The quality of voicing, splendid action, constructional perfection and sheer musicality I found when playing this instrument will inspire organists the world over."
"A most extraordinary achievement is the actual success with which this instrument handles the repertoire of all periods. The JSRACS organ is a living testament to the fact that all truly great organs can prove most effective, exciting and worthwhile vehicles for the performance of music from all eras."
"The contrasting Flutes throughout the instrument are simply delightful, the Principals are exquisitely voiced, and drawing the Mixtures really does enhance the foundational tone of the instrument as well as adding just the right amount of brilliance. Although both manuals are complete to Mixture with only one 8' foundation stop on the Great and Swell, this instrument is anything but 'top heavy'. It is a wonderful and joyous thing to behold just how well a 'vertical' specification can work in such a musical and sensitively voiced instrument."
"Of all the 'Organs I Have Met', this new Pipe Organs WA instrument immediately became a true friend - a partner encouraging performances exactly in tune with the performer's ideal."
"If the ultimate test for any musical instrument is for how long it entrances the player and audience, this organ weaves its magic instantly and memorably. You literally just don't want to leave the organ bench!"
"It is always a surprise and delight to find a new organ where the builder has ensured the instrument goes beyond the standards one would normally expect, and the musical world owes Pipe Organs WA a hearty vote of thanks for providing Australia with such a splendid and truly versatile instrument. All musicians should await their next contract with great excitement and anticipation."
Thomas Heywood
International Concert Organist
". . . Graham Devenish's brilliant design is nothing short of stunning in terms of its first visual impact, and a variety of specially selected woods from around the world has been used in its construction. The splendid sonic result from the pipework and mechanics has attracted glowing reviews from a noteworthy array of professional organists and organ builders throughout Australia."
"The flutes have a delightful woody chiff and make the organ an ideal continuo instrument . . . The plenum effect is remarkably rich and well-rounded, crowning the flue chorus. The mutation stops add versatility and sparkling Baroque colour, making the instrument a delight to play and a treat to hear."
"The instruments designed and manufactured by Pipe Organs WA are impressive not only for their tonal character abut for their overall detail and craftsmanship. Their organs are a delight to play and use advanced technoloty to achieve a most artistic musical result."
Jangoo Chapkhana
Organist, conductor, composer
Examiner with the Australian Music Examinations Board,
Head of Music, John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School,
Fellow of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (London)
"A classy and compact instrument! Having used a Continuo Organ in choral and orchestral situations, I strongly commend this organ to anyone who performs fine music. These instruments are suited to ensemble work, blending well with voices and instruments. The subtle sounds underpin composition from the Baroque to the current day and the pipes speak clearly and concisely. I thoroughly recommend these highly manoeuvrable and versatile instruments."
Dr Margaret Pride
Choral Director and Educator, Perth WA.
Collegium Musicum Choir, Collegium Symphonic Chorus, Australian Chamber Singers.
"As a professional organist and harpsichordist, I enjoy the clarity with which these instruments speak. The touch is clean and definite and the simple splayed backfall action responds perfectly to the most exacting articulations. The pipes have been meticulously regulated to produce an even quality of sound throughout the entire compass and the ranks blend beautifully with each other. I wholeheartedly endorse these instruments."
Stewart Smith
Organist and Lecturer in Music
W.A.Academy of Performing Arts, Perth W.A.