HARRAH SYMPHONIC ORGAN-Concert # 19 November 2023

I am so blessed to have the privilege of playing (so far) nineteen programs on this amazing instrument.  There are so many tonal resources to explore and so much color to choose from.  The organ surrounds and uplifts the congregation who filled the sanctuary for this year’s program.  Even though I’ve recorded a Christmas CD (you can purchase by contacting the church office (304-562-5903), the listener really needs to be present in the room to feel, hear, and see in person what this instrument offers.  One might think after nineteen programs it would be easy to become over-familiar or “immune” to the experience, but I must say each time I sit at this console, I’m overwhelmed by the vast tonal resources and the beautiful sound to the point of tears.  For example each week at my church, I have access to three sets of celestes.  On the Harrah organ, besides the “normal” Swell and Choir Strings and String Celestes, there is a full floating Dulciana Division and full floating String Divsion with over 78 ranks of Strings and String Celestes, enough strings “to save more souls than all the fine preaching in Texas”!

This year my program theme was “CHRIST-mas Presence”, hymns and carols which speak to “Christ, WITH us”, Christ being present in our Advent and Christmas preparations and celebrations that fills us with his Spirit and causes our lives to be filled with joy which overflows in our response and service.  Following the carols, Santa made an appearance with some holiday cheer to wrap up another joyous experience.

Thank you Pastor, Pipe Sounds Board, Congregation of Forrest Burdette Memorial UMC and good folks of Hurricane, WV for your continued trust and support of the Pipe Sounds Concert Series!