PORT ANGELES — St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church will host organist Noah Smith for an organ concert at 4 p.m. Sunday.
“Bach to School” will be free to the public at the church at 510 E. Park Ave. Donations will be welcome and will go to support St. Andrew’s music program.
During this concert — which is in partnership with The American Guild of Organists, Olympic Peninsula Chapter — Smith 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 chosen for its richness and depth, organizers said.
Audiences will hear music by 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 into a set of classical era pieces, featuring works by Fanny Hensel and Clara Schumann.
Offering a modern and unexpected twist, attendees also will be treated to iconic melodies from 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,” according to a press release.
The Port Angeles School District is coming back into session after a summer break, and this concert is presented in hopes of attracting youth to the pipe organ, organizers said.
“Studies have shown that playing and listening to the pipe organ can greatly benefit children in school,” the release said. “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,” the release said, adding that “the rich and diverse range of sounds produced by the pipe organ stimulates musical diversity and creativity.”
