Rochester's Best Kept Secret: Unveiling the Mighty Wurlitzer In-Person
Presented by Rochester Theater Organ Society
Held at the Parma Public Library.
Our story begins in 1928 when local organist Tom Grierson debuted the newly installed Wurlitzer Opus 1951 theatre pipe organ in the opulent RKO Palace Theatre in downtown Rochester. The theatre pipe organ was designed to accompany silent films with music and sound effects to complement the action on the screen. Prior to demolition of the RKO Palace Theatre in 1965, a group of volunteers rescued the Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ from the wrecking ball and moved it to what is now RBTL's Auditorium Theatre. The volunteers chartered the Rochester Theater Organ Society and have maintained this magnificent instrument (and technilogical wonder!) for decades since for all to enjoy! Our story continues through the present day with photos, video, and commentary from RTOS members and performing artists. Today, RTOS presents eight concerts each year featuring accomplished theatre organists from across the country and around the world. In support of education, one concert features students from the Eastman School of Music Organ Department.
Please register.