As you may have read in today's Philadelphia Inquirer, in the finest tradition of Pay to Play, we're holding an event this Saturday from 1pm to 5pm, where anyone, regardless of skill level, can come to get a hands on experience at the stage console of the new Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ--$25 for one minute and $75 for five minutes. Come join us, play, listen, mill about, give a few minutes as a gift to that budding or aspiring young organist...and we'll have a couple of surprise celebrity guests as well!
And the Inquirer wants to hear your story, and your notes! (details below)
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Posted on Tue, May. 16, 2006
Pay to Play at the Kimmel
The idea is from England, the name from Philadelphia.
On Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m, the public is invited to "Pay to Play" the new Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ. The fee: $25 for one minute at the console, $75 for five minutes.
The idea was hatched by Kimmel Center program director Tom Warner from a similar event at London's Royal Festival Hall. Calling it "Pay to Play," often used to describe Philadelphia politics, was, for Warner, "a perfect fit."
Inquiries have come from amateur and professional organists alike, and from church choirs collecting money as "Pay to Play" gifts for their resident organists. Sign-up begins at 11 a.m. First come, first served.
How to hear your performance online: If you're "paying to play" and have a digital recorder, cell phone or digital camera, send us the audio file at organplay@phillynews.com. Tell us who you are, where you're from, and a little about yourself.
We'll post as many performances as possible on Monday at www.philly.com.
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© 2006 Philadelphia Inquirer and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.philly.com
They should take the money from this event, and put it into fixing the acoustic problems. Not feeling the full effect of this great instrument was rather disapointing.
Yes...the accoustic is a bit dissappointing.
But the Organ is magnificent.
The same thing happened in Seattle at Beneroya Hall, when they installed their new Fisk in 2000.
I remember, I was in Row J listening to a famous Swiss organist play the Bach "St Anne". It was just too much. It was very "in your face". Even a year later, I was talking with Carole Terry (Organist for Seattle Sym from 2000 to 2002). She said "oh dear, you must have felt like you were being cut open!" Its a room that is dead as a nail for the Organ as a solo istrument.
There's a funny situation for concert hall organs. To date, no hall is like the Meyerson in Dallas when it comes to acoustics that are perfect for the Organ. BUT, the Meyerson has an adjustable acoustic system. A reverberant setting for Organ Solo music OR something that is a bit more absorbant when organ is with I orchestra is capable in the Meyerson.
Which brings me back to Seattle.
I hated the Organ when it was played in Solo. But the Thursday of the week...OMG...EVERYONES Opinion changed, when the Organ and Orchestra were played together. It was hairraising with the Concerto by Naji Hakim!
So, I would encourage one to look at both ends of the tube...the acoustic does need to be better for Organ solo music. But with the orchestra, you need something that will slightly dampen all that brassiness. But keyword...slightly. So, an adjustable system might be right for Kimmel.
I heard the Beethoven masterpeice "Missa Solemnis" on Sunday afternoon. It was wonderful. Although the work itself is long, it is a joyous and profound expression of faith and piety. One cannot help but feel a stirring in the heart while listening to an incredible ensembe of students accompany this masterwork.
The program was excellent, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Verizon Hall.
I remember, I was in Row J listening to a famous Swiss organist play the Bach "St Anne". It was just too much. It was very "in your face". Even a year later, I was talking with Carole Terry (Organist for Seattle Sym from 2000 to 2002). She said "oh dear, you must have felt like you were being cut open!" Its a room that is dead as a nail for the Organ as a solo istrument.