The German association Förderverein Orgel Petri-Kirche Riga e.V. was founded in 2016 by dedicated citizens to support the reconstruction of the historic organ by Gottfried Kloosen (1734) in the St. Petri Church in Riga. Since the Petri Church project is not going ahead for the time being, a project from 2007 has been revived. The ‘Contius Organ’ is now being built as a baroque choir organ in Riga Cathedral.
Due to the decision in favour of the alternative project in the cathedral, a general meeting in May 2024 amended the statutes as follows with regard to the specification of the association's purpose:
§ 2 Vereinszweck (Association's Purpose)
Abs. 3: Der Satzungszweck wird verwirklicht durch die Beschaffung der erforderlichen finanziellen und anderweitigen sächlichen Mittel vorrangig für die Planung und Rekonstruktion einer barocken Orgel auf der Orgelempore der Petri-Kirche in Riga, die sich am historischen Vorbild der ehemals in der Kirche vorhandenen Gottfried-Kloosen-Orgel von 1734 orientiert, nachrangig für den Bau einer barocken Orgel im Chor des Doms zu Riga, die sich am Orgelbau von Andreas Contius orientiert.
In line with its objectives, the association also supports international encounters between organ musicians and experts, as well as other artists, to promote significant musical traditions. Its commitment to organ building is not only supported by many donors, but also by international artists from all genres of music. For example, benefit concerts have been held at irregular intervals for many years, with the proceeds going directly to the project.
In addition, there is general public relations work, websites and Facebook pages, appearances at the German Protestant Kirchentag and at church festivals, photo calendars, targeted fundraising campaigns and the recruitment of organ pipe sponsors.
The association is recognised as a non-profit organisation under German law. Tax-deductible donation receipts are issued for donations and organ pipe sponsorships. The association is registered in Berlin. Register entry: V R 3 5 0 0 4 B 1; Amtsgericht Berlin-Charlottenburg.
