The 2008 - 2009 International Year of the Organ (IYO) was officially launched at the National Convention of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) held recently in Minneapolist/St. Paul, which I attended with nearly 2000 other organists, choral directors, and teachers. It featured a variety of organ concerts, workshops, exhibits, and regional meetings of AGO chapters from around the country. There are approximately 22,000 members of the AGO.

            An inaugural celebration complete with noisemakers, fanfare, and a wide variety of organ music performed by internationally renowned organists and guests was recorded for broadcast on “Pipedreams,” a public radio program, the first week of October. The program has been hosted by Michael Barone for the last quarter century.

            The yearlong celebration will feature a multitude of activities ranging from organ concerts and recitals to organ building workshops and special organ music appreciation classes for students.

            Highlighting the IYO will be an “Organ Spectacular,” a daylong celebration on October 19, 2008. On that day, more than 250 concerts will be held around the world to showcase the organ, its colorful history and its ability to enchant young and old alike. The organ’s roots date back some 2000 years to ancient Egypt, making it the world’s oldest keyboard instrument. Check the wall outside the music room for an organ timeline.

            The three local chapters of the AGO have joined to present three events for the Organ Spectacular. Everyone is welcome. On Friday, October 17 at 7:30 pm, the Chenault Organ Duo will present a recital at National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle, NW, Washington, DC 20005.

            On Saturday, October 18 at 1 pm, Mary Mozelle will present Sights and Sounds of the Pipe Organ at National Presbyterian Church, 4101 Nebraska Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016. This program is an especially good one for children to see and hear. And, on Sunday, October 19 at 6:30 pm, five of the best local organists will play a joint recital at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC, 20017.           

            Here at Pohick do not miss the organ recital during the Country Fair at 11:30 am on Saturday, October 4. Selections will include works by Buxtehude, Bach and Langlais. And, be sure to come upstairs after a service and take a closer look at the organ built by Frtiz Noack and David Storey.