Xaver Wilhelmy designed the American Flag Sound Sculpture following the events of
September 11, 2001. Work on the instrument began in January 2002 and was complete 18 months later. The design was part of a memorial proposal for ground zero. In
the proposal, one pipe would have been created for each victim of the
events of
that day - over 3,000 pipes - one pipe for each person to remember their life interactions in sound and music. Wilhelmy wanted his work to be a comfort for those who mourned
loved ones.
Sadly the memorial proposal was not approved or these
fourteen pipes would be part of a much larger existing display of light
and sound in memory of the fallen. However, the resulting instrument represents a feat of engineering and innovation unparalleled in the history of pipe organ building. After 500 years, there is more to learn, discover, and innovate, and Xaver Wilhelmy is leading the way.
