In Colmenar de Oreja, as in most of the area surrounding Madrid, a large part of its historical treasures was, unfortunately, lost, primarily during the Spanish Civil War (1936-39).

In building this instrument, our main purpose was not to re-create a replica of an historical organ, but rather to build something that would reflect the organs development over the centuries in Madrid, especially, but also tried to approach this organ as a musical instrument with resources that reflect organ building in recent times internationally. This philosophy of combining historical features alongside an innovative, contemporary approach is at the heart of the organ in Colmenar de Oreja. For instance, we can program over 5,000 different free combinations. There is a truly effective swell box. The touch is light, precise and, sure.

The church acoustics made it imperative to build exquisite pipework, and adjustments were made to the wind supply so the instrument would produce a warm sound. The voicing, as well, had to be high quality if the instrument was to fill this large church with a vibrant and energetic sound, even when it was filled to capacity, and still be delicate and precise in the overall effect.

This instrument was made possible through the generosity of one individual in Colmenar de Oreja, a person who was aware of the important losses in terms of our cultural heritage incurred by recent historical events and the need to restore what is humanly possible. So, there was a firm commitment to build a musical instrument which would not only dignify the liturgy but also stand as a work of art and a symbol of our desire to restore music to a place of honour and demonstrate the sensitivity of our time to create something that will endure down through the centuries.