Why we LOVE the theatre pipe organ... "Mighty Mo" at Atlanta's Fox Theatre
The one-man band. A thrilling sound that sends chills down your spine. Mighty theatre organs are some of the most versatile musical instruments. Designed to accompany the silent films of the 1920s, they can effectively play a myriad of music styles. From Gershwin to Sousa and Stravinsky to the Beatles, there's almost nothing they can't tackle. And nothing is better for accompanying Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, Harold Lloyd, or the other greats of silent cinema!
Click here to read more about us and the theatre pipe organ. All the bells and whistles...
These instruments were only made, with few exceptions, in the 1920s. Since that time, enthusiasts have flatly refused to let the theatre organ leave the limelight. George Wright sold millions of "HiFi" records in the 1950s that ignited a new generation of theatre organ fans, and the American Theatre Organ Society has nourished a continued commitment towards presenting great organists on great organs, hosting educational camps and programs, and offering a unique network of individuals passionate about the many aspects of the theatre organ: musical, technical, and more!
Click here to see a list of our upcoming events. We hope you'll join us! |
Latest News
ATOS Organist of the Year = Our Artist in July...
When school is out, the organ will play! Each summer we take advantage of the quiet schedule at Stephenson High School to bring in some of the finest artists from all over the world...and this summer is no exception.
On the heels of David Marsh's magnetic performance in June, Donnie Rankin will make his debut appearance on the 4/23 Grande Page theatre pipe organ on Sunday, July 20 at 3 p.m. Donnie's first appearance in Atlanta happened back in 2008 after winning the American Theatre Organ Society's Young Theatre Organist competition. He subsequently performed for our Chapter many times, has toured the world over performing on the mighty theatre organ, and was recently bestowed the prestigious ATOS Organist of the Year award in 2023. We're excited as can be to have Donnie back in town again, and we think he's going to make great friends with the Grande Page. Our 2025 calendar is full of great artists, exciting concerts, and memorable film presentations - check out our events page for more details. Author Esther Morgan-Ellis Presents in August...
Our August program takes a different format as we dive into our roots with author Esther M. Morgan-Ellis on Saturday, August 23 (time and location to be announced soon). Morgan-Ellis brings the era of movie palaces to life in her 2018 book titled Everybody Sing!: Community Singing in the American Picture Palace. She presents the origins of theater sing-alongs in the prewar community singing movement, describes the basic components of a sing-along, explores the unique presentation styles of several organists, and assesses the aftermath of sound technology, including the sing-along films and children’s matinees of the 1930s. Join us for an in-depth discussion, and perhaps even join in a fun sing-along!
|
|
