| Sep 1, 2000 | ||||
| AGO PIPES SPECTACULAR! WORLD'S LARGEST ORGAN CONCERT NATIONAL FLAGSHIP CONCERT VIRGIL FOX MEMORIAL RECITAL SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2000 - 4 P.M. THE RIVERSIDE CHURCH, NEW YORK CITY
Nine organists of national and international distinction will gather to perform - Steven Frank, Robert Hebble, Dorothy Papadakos, Frederick Swann, Robert Tall, Tom Hazleton, Mark Miller, Timothy Smith, and Carol Williams - hosted by J. Michael Barone, program host and producer of Minnesota Public Radio's Pipedreams. All are donating their services in support of this momentous occasion, and in support of the Virgil Fox Scholarship Fund that will be established with proceeds from the recital. Tickets are available through Telecharge, 212-239-6200, 800-432-7250, or www.telecharge.com. As a concert organist, recording artist, and church organist, VIRGIL FOX contributed more toward the education of the general public about the organ and organ music than anyone else in the twentieth century. He was known for his showmanship, his passion for music, and his aggressively charismatic style of sharing it with others. Virgil Fox became a member of the American Guild of Organists in 1946, and from 1946 until 1964, served as organist of The Riverside Church, New York City. In 1962, he played the first solo organ recital at Lincoln Center's Philharmonic Hall, New York City, and made the first recording of the new organ there. In 1973, he played to a sold-out house in the 3,000-seat Concert Hall of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D. C. Perhaps the most daring concert Virgil Fox ever played was at the mecca of rock music, New York's Filmore East, where, in 1970, he gave an all-Bach program combined with a light show. For nine years the "Heavy Organ" show, combining music with lights, was taken across the country to various cities, colleges, and festivals. Virgil Fox is credited with bringing the music of Bach to many young people with an innovative and exciting style. Through Pipes Spectacular, the AGO will embrace Virgil Fox's legacy of education and outreach.  PIPES SPECTACULAR! - WORLD'S LARGEST ORGAN CONCERT will be a unique celebration of the organ in America that will increase appreciation for the enduring majesty of the King of Instruments while re-focusing public attention on the importance of music education, particularly for young people, and the arts in our culture.On Sunday, October 15, 2000, the AGO will present more than 2,000 performers in more than 200 concert venues throughout North America. A family audience of more than 200,000 people is expected to attend these concerts. In addition, special TV and radio organ music programming promoting the event will reach an estimated audience of 300,000 people or more. This one-day nationwide celebration of the pipe organ is designed to increase public awareness of the organ, and to help raise funds for the AGO's education and professional development programs. The events comprising the World's Largest Organ Concert will feature the organ in its historic and evolving roles as a solo, accompanying and ensemble instrument - showcasing the talents of the nation's leading professional organists in collaboration with some of the country's most distinguished musical artists. Concert programs will feature the organ with dance companies, brass and other instrumental ensembles, acclaimed choral groups and vocal soloists, marching bands, symphony orchestras, and many other musical organizations. Concerts will be presented in urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout the United States and in a diverse array of settings - from performing arts centers and concert halls to churches, universities and outdoor pavilions. In addition to the great variety of instruments and performers presented with the organ, programs will feature "informances," organ "crawls," multimedia presentations, and audiovisual enhancements. A nationwide listing of Pipes Spectacular concerts was published in the September issue of The American Organist Magazine and on the AGO Web site at www.agohq.org. The AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS is the national professional association serving the organ and choral music fields. Founded in 1896 as both an educational and service organization, the AGO seeks to set and maintain high musical standards and to promote understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music. The mission of the AGO is to promote the organ in its historic and evolving roles, to encourage excellence in the performance of organ and choral music, and to provide a forum for mutual support, inspiration, education, and certification of Guild members. The Guild currently serves more than 20,000 members in 343 local chapters throughout the United States and abroad. This information is submitted by F. Anthony Thurman, Director of Development and Communications at the National Headquarters of the American Guild of Organists and the American Organist Magazine. For further information, please contact Dr. Thurman by TEL (212) 870-2310, FAX (212) 870-2163 or E-MAIL fathurman@agohq.org. |
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