AGO Concert Schedule July 3-8

It's a big week coming up for many of DC's Kings. Take a look at the American Guild of Organists 2010 Convention concert and event schedule here.

Note that unless you're a paid convention attendee, almost none of the venues are open to the general public. So, pay up!

If you're not an organist, join AGO today as an Independent Member. It's a great way to help show your support for the future of the pipe organ, and plus, you get a really nice monthly magazine, The American Organist.

Listen Now: This Week's Organ Webcasts

An all-organ, all-Bach Pipedreams - what's not to love? Listen in as host Michael Barone travels the world with some lovely organ works from the master himself.

On the lighter side, BBC's Organist Entertains host Nigel Ogden runs through some theatre organ classics from the UK and the U.S.

Listen Now: Pipedreams - Around Bach

Listen Now: BBC's Organist Entertains

Watch Video: CBS News Visits World's Largest Organ

Today: Wanamaker Organ Day in Philadelphia

Looking for something to do today on a hot Saturday? Take a (most of the time) quick drive up to Philadelphia for Wanamaker Organ Day.

The King of King of Instruments has its day in the sun each year to show off its nearly 30,000 pipes, which as KOTC readers know is the largest operating pipe organ in the world.

The Wanamaker organ is played each week day, and twice on Saturday, and has been since 1911.

Pipe Organ Concerts: June 25-27

Sunday, June 27, 6pm

Basilica of the National Shrine of the

Immaculate Conception

Summer Organ Concert Series

A Sunday summer winner! A great chance to hear the rumble and roar of one of the Washington region's largest pipe organs. Before you go, stop off at nearby Colonel Brooks' Tavern for a pre-pipings toddy. The Brookland restaurant and bar has a great selection of regional beers on tap, and has an easygoing, relaxed atmosphere with a solid and well-priced menu of favorites.

Check out Brookland Avenue for more on this charming neighborhood.

Meet the Kings: 1964 Möllers, 1987 Schudi, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Put down the iPad, turn off the iPod, and stop worrying about the Nats' recent dry spell. The Basilica this summer is again hosting a summer recital series on its three magnificent pipe organs - and what better place to hear the live roar and rumble of these modern-day giants!

According to their website, the two M.P. Moller organs of the Basillica's Upper Church, one in back and one next to the High Alter in the Chancel, were built in 1965. They're played by identical 4-manual consoles located in both the South Gallery (back loft) and in the Chancel. The instruments total 9,393 pipes, 157 stops, and 172 ranks. That's a lot of pipes.

In addition, the architectually-stunning Crypt Church, located directly under the main sanctuary floor, is home to a 1987 two-manual instrument of 25 ranks and 1,355 pipes, built by the Schudi firm.

Concerts run every Sunday evening through August 29. Directions.

Listen Now: This Week's Pipedreams from DC

The countdown to the AGO National Convention in DC continues.

This week, Pipedreams host Michael Barone features several well known pipe organs from the area, some of which will be featured during the AGO convention.

'Capitol Pleasures' includes (among others) the National Cathedral's 1973 Aeolian-Skinner; the 1951 Moeller from St. Matthew's Cathedral downtown; and the splendid 1970 Aeolian-Skinner at National Presbyterian. Listen now.

BTW, what do you think about Dirksen's hymn, Praise the Lord, ye heavens adore him?

Get to Know a Builder: Lewis & Hitchcock

Lewis & Hitchcock is an important local builder in the Washington region. According to their website, the firm's founders - Theodore C. Lewis and William I. Hitchcock - came to the area in 1915 as installers of the National Cathedral's original E.M. Skinner organ in the Bethlehem Chapel.

Continuing from their website, "Mr. Lewis was a voicer and Mr. Hitchcock had been the factory foreman and installation supervisor for Skinner. Thus they knew the Skinner organ and how to build a similar instrument without violating patents. All the early Lewis & Hitchcock organs were very much like Skinner instruments.

"In the 1950's they developed a new form of electro-pneumatic action that was used until Mr. Hitchcock's death in 1967. At that time the firm was purchased by George Payne, who had apprenticed with the firm.

"Under his direction the first mechanical and electric action organs were built. During his tenure the firm expanded by incorporating the Newcomer Organ Company, the Roggman Organ Service and the Lent Organ Service companies. Mr. Payne in turn sold the firm to men who had apprenticed at Lewis & Hitchcock - David McCahan, Gerald Piercey and Dave Selby. The firm continues to offer quality church organs that can play the literature, through the building of new organs, the rebuilding of existing instruments and quality pipe organ service work." Lewis & Hitchcock website.

Pipe Organ Concerts for June 18-24

Sunday, June 20, 6pm

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Summer Organ Concert Series