A Tempo with Rachel Katz

Philadelphia Pipe Organs Take Center Stage in New Festival

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The organ at Girard College is just one of the pipe organs that is part of the inaugural Philadelphia Organ Festival.

A Tempo this Saturday (3/16 at 7 pm) looks at the inaugural Philadelphia Organ Festival, which features performances at some of the many venues in the city that have pipe organs.

Philadelphia is home to many pipe organs, where the instruments can be found in a variety of schools, churches, synagogues and performing arts centers. A new festival aims to raise awareness of these musical landmarks and boost interest in organ repertoire, and A Tempo features a conversation with festival Artistic Director John Walthausen about the festival and the city's rich tapestry of pipes, stops, consoles and pedals.

This program also includes an interview with James Jordan, director of choral studies at Westminster Choir College of Rider University, about the passing of composer and conductor James Whitbourn.

Rachel Katz is the host of A Tempo which airs Saturdays at 7 pm.