1949 Aeolian-Skinner organ at Methuen Music Hall, Massachusetts

The charm of folk tunes and the charismatic character of an international array of instruments and soloists enlivens this program of seasonal fare. Franz Lehrndorfer improvises at Saint Boniface Church in Munich, Ann Labounsky plays the work of her famous teacher Jean Langlais, and Todd Wilson shows off the Skinner organ at Cleveland’s Severance Hall. We offer holiday music of the shepherds and angels from around the world. Listen to variations from Munich and Dieppe, hymn preludes from Cleveland and Tacoma, and fine-wrought fantasies from Methuen and Fort Lauderdale as part of A Christmas Festival.

It’s time to take the organ out of its religious context, and enjoy it out of doors at Balboa Park in San Diego. We’ll also visit other venues where summer concerts win new friends for the King of Instruments. From the Methuen Music Hall in Massachusetts to the Mormon Tabernacle, from Balboa Park in San Diego to the Berks County Museum in Pennsylvania, we celebrate a season of adventure and discovery, a sampler of seasonal recital venues coast to coast. It’s all about having some Summer Fun.

A continuing centennial tribute to one of the most influential and effective advocates for the pipe organ, the late, great Edward George Power Biggs March 29, 1906—March 10, 1977.

These brilliant denizens of heaven evoke their rolls as travelers’ guide, focus of prayers and wishes, and symbol of nations, while providing us with a star-studded musical celebration.

Organs and organ music continue as an integral element in the artistic life of Nordic countries.

…If you’re out and about across the country, some summer organ concerts could be part of your travel plans.

…a collection of ‘organ pops’, including a centenary tribute to American composer Leroy Anderson [born 6/29/1908].

…we celebrate composer, recitalist, promoter, and creator of the most important organ works after Bach, on the occasion of his bicentennial: Felix Mendelssohn [1809-1847].

…when Edward F. Searles rescued the Boston Music Hall organ more than a century ago, did he realize he was creating a national landmark treasure?

…a late-summer review of an international selection of recently issued compact discs devoted to the King of Instruments.

…putting the pedal to the metal, these compositions make extraordinary use of the organists feet, which often play the music all by themselves.

…we borrow from an international collective of music old and new in celebration of the Christmas holiday.

…with greetings from England, Iceland, France, Austria, Poland, Italy, Canada and the United States.

…we highlight a few of the famous pipe organs for which the summer season usually is particularly active.

…Variants on the Reformation Hymn, and other musics of faith and fortitude.

…From Wales, Russia, England, France, Germany and the United States, a multi-cultural sonic celebration.

…performances on the famous and historic Great Organ of the Methuen Memorial Music Hall in Massachusetts.

A progression of gladsome Gallic variants on holiday melodies.

A summer quarterly survey of recent organ music on compact disc.

Recordings and recital performances on one of America’s most famous historic concert organs. Recitalists include Anne and Todd Wilson, recorded in concert on July 9, 1986, Michael Murray on Telarc S-5036 and CD-80049, and Barbara Bruns on AFKA S-4694.

Celebratory selections for the Spring festival of rebirth and renewal.

A coast-to-coast collection of memorable and mesmerizing manipulations of seasonal songs.

A summing up of the past year, with celebrations and memorial tributes, highlights of some exceptional recordings, and some glimpses into the future.

Highlighting activities at San Diego’s Balboa Park, the Methuen Music Hall in Massachusetts, and the Wanamaker Grand Court at Macy’s Center City Department Store in Philadelphia.