Bach 2 School

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: September 10th, 2023 Time: 4pm Venue: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 510 E Park Ave, Port Angeles, WA 98362. Free and open to the public, any donations will go to support St. Andrew’s music program. Contact sapa@olypen.com for any questions Celebrating the exquisite sound and versatility of the organ, St Andrew’s Episcopal Church is thrilled to present a captivating organ concert that combines the timeless beauty of baroque and classical era organ pieces with the exhilarating melodies of video game music, arranged for this magnificent instrument. The concert promises to be a unique and enthralling experience for music enthusiasts of all ages. Date: September 10th, 2023 Time: 4pm Venue: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 510 E Park Ave, Port Angeles, WA 98362. Free and open to the public, any donations will go to support St. Andrew’s music program. St. Andrew’s in partnership with The American Guild of Organists, Olympic Peninsula Chapter will host organist Noah Smith for an organ concert, free to the public and fundraising for the music program at St. Andrew’s. During this concert, which promises to be engaging, Noah will demonstrate the sonic possibilities of the unique Kenneth Coulter mechanical action organ (Opus 2, 1977). The concert will feature a set of baroque organ pieces, each meticulously chosen for its richness and depth. Audiences will be transported back in time as they bask in the grandeur and complexity of music from baroque composers such as Elizabeth Jacquet de La Guerre, Duchess Anna Amalia of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel and of course Johann Sebastien Bach. The program will then transition seamlessly into a set of classical era pieces, featuring works by Fanny Hensel and Clara Schumann. This segment of the concert will demonstrate the incredible range and versatility of the organ. What sets this concert apart from traditional organ performances is the inclusion of video game music arranged specifically for this majestic instrument. Offering a modern and unexpected twist, attendees will be treated to iconic melodies from beloved video game soundtracks reimagined for the organ. The performance will showcase the impressive adaptability of the organ, merging the worlds of classical music and gaming in an unforgettable fusion. The Port Angeles School District is coming back into session after a summer break, and this concert hopes to attract youth to the pipe organ. Studies have shown that playing and listening to the pipe organ can greatly benefit children in school. Learning to play the organ enhances discipline, concentration, and coordination, while promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The complex nature of the instrument requires focus and patience, helping children develop a strong work ethic. Additionally, the rich and diverse range of sounds produced by the pipe organ stimulates musical diversity and creativity. Attending organ concerts exposes children to different genres and historical periods of music, fostering cultural appreciation. Overall, organ playing and concert attendance provide a well-rounded musical education, nurturing personal growth and academic success in children. This dynamic and innovative concert is a result of St. Andrew’s dedication to promoting the organ as a versatile and captivating instrument that embraces both traditional and modern artistry. The organizers aim to create a memorable experience that appeals to a wide audience, bridging generations and cultural backgrounds through the universal language of music. Join us at St. Andrew’s on September 4th for an extraordinary evening that combines the magnificence of baroque and classical era organ compositions with the nostalgic charm and drama of video game music. This unique event promises to be a delight for connoisseurs and newcomers alike—don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind musical experience! Note for editors: High-resolution photograph and bio of the organist available upon request. Noah and Rev. Laura of St. Andrew’s are available for interviews for previews and features.