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News Release

Last modified: Wednesday, September 16, 2009

IU Auditorium and Bloomington AGO Chapter to present noontime organ recitals

WHAT: Lunchtime Organ Recitals at IU Auditorium
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 17, 12:15 p.m.
WHERE: IU Auditorium, 1211 E. Seventh St.
TICKETS: Not required. The event is free and open to the public.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 16, 2009

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- IU Auditorium and the Bloomington chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) will present a series of free noontime organ recitals performed by the IU Jacobs School of Music organ students beginning Sept. 17 at 12:15 p.m.

"We're very excited to provide these talented students the opportunity to perform on the grand IU Auditorium organ, and at the same time restore an IU tradition dating back to the 1950s," said IU Auditorium Director Doug Booher. "We look forward to opening our doors to the campus and the community, inviting folks to enjoy their lunch break while enjoying inspiring performances by members of the AGO. "

The purpose of the American Guild of Organists 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. Organist Hillary Sullivan currently serves as dean of the Bloomington Chapter of the Guild and has played an integral role in the rekindling of the series.

The 4,500-pipe Auditorium Organ was originally built as the Roosevelt organ in 1889 and installed in the Chicago Auditorium Theatre. In 1942, it was sold to Dr. William H. Barnes, who donated the organ to IU. After some water damage in 1967, the organ was rebuilt, and it underwent an extensive restoration project in 1999. The Auditorium Organ is most commonly played as a part of religious events, university ceremonies and renowned organist Dennis James' annual Halloween appearance.

The planned monthly recitals will allow members of the general public an opportunity to hear a variety of organ music from the extensive repertoire of Jacobs organ students. Doctoral student Andrea Boudra will be performing at the inaugural noontime recital on Sept. 17. Future fall semester recitals are scheduled for Oct. 21, Nov. 19, and Dec. 3.

For more information, visit IUauditorium.com.

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