The Eastman School of Music Organ Department kicks off a new season of Community Concerts — short organ recitals by Eastman students as part of the department’s ongoing initiative to bring outstanding organ music to the Rochester community. From October to April, students will perform in monthly concerts in local churches around Rochester, facilitating a musical connection between organists and the community beyond weekly Sunday services. Events are open to the public, and a free-will offering will benefit the Eastman Organ Department student travel fund.
The first Community Concert will take place Sunday, October 28, 2018 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Fairport, at 3:30 p.m. The concert features the 1979 pipe organ by the Schlicker Organ Company of Buffalo, New York, an instrument comprised of two manuals (keyboards), a pedalboard, and over 1,400 individual pipes.
The following churches have graciously offered to host the first three Community Concerts:
Sunday, October 28, 3:30 p.m.: First Congregational United Church of Christ
26 East Church Street, Fairport, NY, 14450
Friday, November 9, 7:30 p.m.: St. Joseph’s Church
43 Gebhardt Road, Penfield, NY 14526
Friday, December 14, 7:00 p.m.: First Baptist Church of Penfield
1882 Penfield Road, Penfield, NY, 14526
The variety of instruments to be showcased throughout the series is interesting for both performers and concert-goers alike. Since every pipe organ is noticeably different from the next, each program will offer a variety of soundscapes and colors that are sure to delight and satisfy the ear. Come hear what the King of Instruments can do, played by the talented and hard-working students of Eastman.
Held monthly at various churches around Rochester, upcoming concerts will be posted on the Eastman School of Music Organ Events webpage. Please refer to the link below for up-to-date info on location, times, and performers. Be on the lookout for concerts in March, April, and May.
For more information on the Community Concert Series, please visit http://www.esm.rochester.edu/organ/events/.
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About Eastman School of Music:
The Eastman School of Music was founded in 1921 by industrialist and philanthropist George Eastman (1854-1932), founder of Eastman Kodak Company. It was the first professional school of the University of Rochester. Mr. Eastman’s dream was that his school would provide a broad education in the liberal arts as well as superb musical training.
About 900 students are enrolled in Eastman’s Collegiate Division—about 550 undergraduate and 350 graduate students. Students come from almost every state, and approximately 25 percent are from other countries. They are guided by more than 95 full-time faculty members. Six alumni and three faculty members have been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music, and numerous alumni and faculty have received Grammy Awards. Each year, Eastman’s students, faculty members, and guest artists present more than 800 concerts to the Rochester community.