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Three pipe organs featured in historic performance

Jan. 6, 2009

KALAMAZOO--For the first time in the history of Western Michigan University, multiple pipe organs will be on stage in a performance featuring students and faculty from the School of Music.

The "Pipes-o-Plenty" recital is open to the public free of charge in celebration of the American Guild of Organists' International Year of the Organ. It will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, in the Dalton Center Recital Hall.

During the performance, three of WMU's six pipe organs will be on stage: a three-manual instrument built by the Schlicker Organ Company in 1969, a one-manual-and-pedal instrument built by A.B. Felgemaker around 1870 and donated to the school by Clare and Lester Start in 1982, and a new one-manual Bennett & Giuttari positive organ acquired in 2007. Each organ will be featured in solo and ensemble works.

The American Guild of Organists has designated 2008-09 as the International Year of the Organ. A year of festivities was inaugurated with special events at the guild's national convention in Minneapolis last June, and will conclude with its regional conventions this summer. Music organizations throughout the world are joining in the celebration by honoring the organ's rich history and the current resurgence in the building of fine new instruments.

For more information, contact WMU organist Karl Schrock at karl.schrock@wmich.edu or (269) 349-8559 or visit the American Guild of Organists online at agohq.org.

Media contact: Kevin West, (269) 387-4678, kevin.west@wmich.edu

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