Photograph by Catherine Viox
The Rockwern Organ inside downtown’s Isaac M. Wise Plum Street Temple was built in 1866 by local organ builder Johann Koehnken. With 2,067 pipes, 38 stops, and three manuals, the instrument is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the U.S.
“What’s surprising to me, given its comparison to other 19th century organs, is its delicacy,” says Wise Temple Organist Michael Unger. “It has a softness and smoothness designed to accompany singers and instrumentalists.” The Rockwern Organ is Koehnken’s largest surviving instrument and one of the few prominent ones built in the Midwest.
There are plenty of opportunities to hear it played—whenever services take place in the sanctuary (usually B’nai Mitzvot and High Holy Days), you can count on hearing trumpeting tones from the pipes. Public concerts are occasionally played on the organ as well. (One is in the works for June 2025.)
Unger, who is also an associate professor of organ at CCM, has had the privilege to play organs all over the world but the Rockwern Organ continues to inspire him. “It’s just a joy to play. I’ve learned so much from that organ and I continue to.”
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