We're Back! Updates in the Pipe Organ Calendar of Events

Take a look in the calendar at right. Lots of 2011-2012 pipe organ recitals and concerts in the calendar.

In particular, check out the Naval Chapel recitals and special events, console image at left via Wikicommons.

And of course, lots of annual favorites at the National Cathedral, St. Luke McLean, and the Basilica. Lots more to come as events are announced. Make sure and send Kings of the Capital your recital announcements!

Ring in 2011 with a Pipe Organ Recital

Happy New Year! Soon.

Get 2011 started big by hitting a pipe organ recital this week. Upcoming in the Washington area...

On Sunday, January 2, visit the National Cathedral to hear 10,000+ pipes sing at 5:15pm. More info here.

On Wednesday the 5th, St. John's LaFayette Square in downtown DC has a noontime (12:10pm) recital on their new Lively-Fulcher pipe organ. Anything else? Let us know. Email kingsofthecapital@gmail.com.

Image of the National Cathedral in the public domain via Wikicommons.

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.

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.