St. John's Lafayette Square - Organ Recital Series Added to Calendar

St. John's Lafayette Square in DC has a fine new Lively-Fulcher pipe organ.

This week we've added the parish's recital series in the calendar, at right. Learn more about the series here. Looks like the next recital on the organ will be January 5.

Image courtesy St. John's website.

2011 Organ Historical Society Convention Coming to D.C.

New update in the pipe organ recital calendar this week.

The 2011 annual convention of the Organ Historical Society is coming to Washington, D.C. June 27-July 1, 2011.

No word yet on which instruments will be featured - although an OHS Tracker ad for the convention shows an image of the 1969 Reiger at All Souls Unitarian Church in D.C. We'll be sure to publicize details when OHS does.

Pittsburgh was home to the 2010 convention. Click here to see that convention's website.

Image at left is the front cover of this month's OHS journal, The Tracker. It's a gut-wrenching image of the fire-damaged 1918 J.W. Steere & Son Opus 700 at the Baptist Temple in Brooklyn, NY.

DC Concerts: July 17-18

Sunday, July 18

6pm: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Summer Concert Series

Different this week...hear the Basilica's Crypt Church organ in concert at 6. It's a neat space directly under the main sanctuary.

DC-Area Pipe Organ Concerts: July 2-4

Friday, July 2

7pm - Chevy Chase Presbyterian presents a pre-AGO program of J.S. Bach on their Rieger pipe organ. Free. Before the concert, grab a decaf at Starbucks two blocks down the street on Conn Ave, or catch a matinée at the historic Avalon Theater.

Sunday July 4 - Happy Independence Day!

11:30am - St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Alexandria, VA, presents their Fourth Annual Pipe Organ Fireworks, featuring patriotic favorites. Free. Lots of places for brunch.

2pm - Washington National Cathedral shows off their 10,000-pipe monster organ for its annual Independence Day organ recital. This year features the Washington Symphonic Brass and the U.S. Navy Sea Chanters. Pipedreams host Michael Barone will emcee. Free. Before the concert, have the absolute best fajitas, chips and salsa in town at Cactus Cantina, just a block down the street on Wisconsin Ave.

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.

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.

Pipe Organ Concerts for June 18-24

Sunday, June 20, 6pm

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