Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

Kimmel Center Seeks Organist for New Dobson Pipe Organ
Dobson Organ Op. 76 to be Unveiled at Kimmel Center Organ Festival in May 2006
April 11, 2005

In May 2006, The Kimmel Center unveils its brand new completed pipe organ by builder Lynn Dobson with an organ festival comprised of 14 events over 2 weeks, and is currently engaged in a search for a versatile performer to serve as the Kimmel Center’s first Organist. The Dobson organ, Op. 76, will rank as one of the largest concert hall organs in the world when complete, with 6,938 pipes, three blowers, 300 levels of memory, 111 stops, pipe sizes ranging from that of about the size of a drinking straw up to two feet square by 32 feet in length, and a total weight of app. 32 tons. Verizon Hall will close for six weeks in the summer of 2005 to complete the installation.

The position will report to Mervon Mehta, Vice President for Programming and Education. “When complete, the new organ will significantly expand the repertoire and programming possibilities for Kimmel Center Presents, The Philadelphia Orchestra and other users of the hall” said Mehta. “We’re looking for someone who will be a passionate and energetic advocate and can convey the significance of the pipe organ, its history, and music to diverse audiences ranging from highly educated enthusiasts to young students.”

The Kimmel Center seeks a leader in the organ field with a deep knowledge of organ repertoire, strong improvisation skills, and the ability to perform in a variety of settings from organ/choral concerts to educational concerts, films, meetings and conventions, and occasionally as a recitalist and soloist for large orchestral works.

The Kimmel Center Organist will also serve as curator for the organ, advising the Center on the instrument's maintenance and improvements over time.

For additional information about how to apply for the position and the May 2006 Verizon Hall Organ Festival, visit the Kimmel Center website at www.kimmelcenter.org.

Kimmel Center, Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit organization, owns, manages, supports and maintains The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, which includes Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, Innovation Studio and the Merck Arts Education Center. Kimmel Center, Inc. also manages the Academy of Music, owned by the Philadelphia Orchestra Association. The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Academy of Music serve as home to eight Resident Company performing arts organizations, including The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ballet, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, American Theater Arts for Youth, PHILADANCO, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops®. Kimmel Center, Inc.’s mission also includes arts in education, community outreach and a rich diversity of programming through its Kimmel Center Presents and Broadway at the Academy series of performances.

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