Theater Organ

Featuring a variety of acclaimed performers on the mighty Wurlitzer theater pipe organ

The Wurlitzer console, opus 2131, is a one-of-a-kind art deco model built for the Oriental Theatre in Boston in 1930. It was donated to the center by Terry Hochmuth in 2008 in memory of Dan Stanke. The console came equipped for the organ’s new computer-based relay control system.

The center also acquired a 7-foot Wurlitzer grand piano the same year, which was then equipped with a digital MIDI-controlled player system. The piano may also be played from the organ console. Incidentally, there is only one other 7-foot Wurlitzer grand piano installed on an original Wurlitzer organ and that is in the Fisher Theatre in Detroit.

The saxophone rank was moved much closer to the swell-shade opening in the right chamber in order to be heard more prominently. The 16-foot pedal tibia pipes were moved from the right chamber to the balcony. In addition to hearing it better, the audience will also be able to feel it. The marimba harp and toy counter, or traps, have been moved to a newly-created platform above the stage.

Restoration work continues in both chambers.

The 16-rank organ installation with six tuned percussions was a gift from Hubbard Broadcasting and the Stanley Hubbard family. This organ was originally installed in the Capitol Theatre in St. Paul in 1926. It was reinstalled in the KSTP Television Studios in the Twin Cities in 1957 and then moved to the center in 1983.

Tickets

Ken Double

With Skip Stine, Trumpet
Saturday, October 16th, 7:30 pm

A tribute to Harry James, Bobby Hackett, Mantovani, and George Wright, by the lead trumpet player of the Harry James Orchestra and an entertaining organist who has performed throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Tickets are $23 for adults and $16 for all students.

Tickets

Jelani Eddington

Saturday, December 18th, 2:00 pm

Timeless holiday favorites and other popular standards by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and others will be performed by the American Theatre Organ Society 2001 Organist of the Year. In addition, his prowess as a keyboard artist will be demonstrated in several solo works for piano.

Tickets are $22 for adults and $15 for all students.

Tickets

Dave Wickerham

Saturday, January 22nd, 2:00 pm

“Dave’s recipe for ‘Phipps Wurlitzer Trifle’: In a seasoned auditorium, mix one part Cole Porter, one part Irving Berlin, add a liberal splash of Gershwin, and fold in some Richard Rodgers, layer generously, and top with a twist of American hit ‘cover’ albums. Serve warmly with high energy!”

Tickets are $22 for adults and $15 for all students.

Tickets

Clark Wilson

Accompanies Buster Keaton’s Steamboat Bill Jr.
Saturday, March 5th, 7:30 pm

The stoic comedian’s best and most spectacular sight gags are featured in this 1928 silent film comedy, accompanied by the famed resident organist of the Ohio Theatre in Columbus.

Tickets are $22 for all adults and $15 for all students.

Tickets

Ron Rhode

Saturday, June 11th, 7:30 pm

Theater organ "chestnuts" will be performed by this award-winning musician who has played virtually every major theater organ installation in the world.  He is a favorite at national and regional conventions of the American Theatre Organ Society.

Tickets are $22 for adults and $15 for all students.

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