The rebuilding of the Durban City Hall organ has been ongoing for four years and is scheduled for completion in early 2002. This historic instrument is a national monument and is of interest locally and internationally. Byrne has linked this reconstruction contract with an international marketing campaign and the commissioning of an organ concerto to be performed by a young black South African organist currently studying and performing to great acclaim in Europe.

In addition, during the course of this contract, Byrne Organ Builders has trained the first black South African organ builder to receive international professional accreditation.

In order to maximize the benefits of the contract to Byrne, the sponsors embarked on an extensive marketing campaign, with personal visits to organ manufacturers and organ parts supply houses in England, Germany, Austria, USA and Australia.

In order to maximize the benefits of the contract to Byrne, the sponsors embarked on an extensive marketing campaign, with personal visits to organ manufacturers and organ parts supply houses in England, Germany, Austria, USA and Australia.

There is great interest in sourcing pipe organ components, fully manufactured pipe organs and CAD designs for new instruments from South Africa, as SA can offer competitive prices and high quality work. The linked sponsorship of a new organ concerto with premiere performance in Durban on the rebuilt organ will stimulate interest in local classical music (performance and composition) and allow for production of a CD for world-wide distribution and sale, and presents another promotional opportunity for Byrne in the international market.

It should be noted that it is unlikely a contract of this magnitude will occur again in South Africa. However, should such a contract be awarded to Byrne Organ Builders, they would consider it part of their marketing strategy to sponsor new works, recordings or recitals on the new instrument.

Although the work on the City Hall organ is incomplete, the interest generated has resulted in commissions for organ design work to be carried out in South Africa on our CAD system for companies in Italy, Australia and Cambridge UK.