The factory has been serving music and musicians for four generations. It was founded by József Váradi who worked in Kolozsvár in the middle of 19th century. He built about 3 to 6 new organs.
His son, Miklós Váradi (1883-1962), whose merit was the official establishment of the company, started his professional studies next to his father.
After completing the secondary school, he came to Budapest with his auxiliary letter to expand his knowledge in Sándor Országh’s factory, because this company meant for him the embodiment of modern, Hungarian factory-based organ construction. In 1912 he started to work as the company’s workshop leader and in 1916 he became member of the Hungarian Organ Society. As the First World War broke out, he was listed and joined the army, but – at Sándor Országh’s special request – he was discharged based on indispensability.
In 1920 he opened his own factory, with modern machines and adjustment room, employing 10-20 people. Until socialization, 101 new mechanical and pneumatic organs were built. His company’s machines and asset were confiscated and nationalized in 1949, therefore he needed to rely on minor repairs and upgrades to provide a living for his family, until his death.
His two sons, Miklós Váradi jr. (1919-1970) and Ottó Váradi (1922-2005) also chose their father’s profession. Miklós started to work in his family’s factory, but after the socialization he needed to switch to the organ factory of the Musical Instrument Building Company Budapest, although some time later he broke up with his profession.
His two sons, Miklós Váradi jr. (1919-1970) and Ottó Váradi (1922-2005) also chose their father’s profession. Miklós started to work in his family’s factory, but after the socialization he needed to switch to the organ factory of the Musical Instrument Building Company Budapest, although some time later he broke up with his profession.
Youngest member of the dynasty was István Váradi (1958), who studied next to his father from 1972, obtained an assistant certificate in 1975 and mastered a diploma in 1983. In 1976-77 he studied from German organ builders in Gotha, Merseburg, Dresden, Bautzen and Potsdam. From then on, the two generations have worked together. In 1981 the former contacts with German company Laukhuff were revitalized, which became the first step in long-term cooperation. From 1984 the company bears the name Váradi and Son.
Cavaille-Coll’s influence meant a new period: Ladegast,builder of the Schwerin Cathedral’s organ, was attracted to the French sounding, which prompted the company to make new contacts: this time with Killinger company.
New, modern plant was built in 1989. Engineers have been involved to facilitate the upgrade with electro technical solutions. Our famous visitors: Representatives of the American Moller company, Peter Laukhuff, Hans-Eric Laukhuff, Kau, Eisenbarth, Caspar von Glatter-Götz, and Monsignor Konrad Mühleisen, organ building masters declared their appreciation of what they have seen on site.
István Váradi has been teaching since 1991. Since 1993 he’s sharing his knowledge about music instrument builing at the Liszt Ferenc Music Academy’s corresponding institution. He is chairman of Organ Builder Master Exam Committee, vice chairman of Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Ethics Committee, and board member of the Organ Department of Hungarian Church Music Society. As first Hungarian organ builder, he is member of GDO and ISO. His major works are the organs of: Kalocsa Cathedral, Pécs Cathedral, St. Stephen Basilica Budapest, Basilica in Eger, Main Parish Church of the Assumption in the centre of Budapest, Budapest Carmelite Church, New-Piarist Chapel in Budapest and the Carmelite Basilica Minor in Keszthely.
Our company is the oldest organ builder institution in Hungary: there were no other organ-building dynasties who would have been operating for nearly 100 years without interruption, surviving the storms of communism, undertaking all these difficulties.
István Váradi contributed significantly to the education of organ construction in Hungary. He trained and tested more than 30 skilled professionals, and also examined 70% of the currently active organ-building masters. Together with Ferenc Solymosi they have been asked to compile a three-year theoretical-practical curriculum for education of professionals, as well as the different exam levels, their descriptions, theoretical-practical materials and requirements of the master degree.
Our company deals with construction of new organs of any size and systems, with 20 years warranty. Furthermore our profile includes extensions, amendment, restoration, adjustment, organ design, mechanics and play table design, creation of wood and metal pipes, intonation and tuning. Theoretical and practical trainings are available, also for master’s degree.
In addition to the domestic organ construction, the company supplied new organs, components, play tables, wood and metal pipes to the following countries: USA, Canada, Australia, England, Czech Republic, Scotland, Sweden, France, Germany, Romania, Japan, Slovakia, Slovenia, Norway and Denmark.
In memoriam:
Prof. Koloss István
Organist, composer, organ expert 1932-2010
He planned the sound profile of the organs in St. Stephen Basilica, Cathedral of Pécs (1990), Cathedral of Kalocsa, Basilica in Eger and many others. We keep him in our memories.
Hans Erich Laukhuff (1944-2012)
Organ builder from Weikersheim
An extraordinary friend and excellent colleague, we keep him in our hearts.
Translated by: Kovács Tünde