Rie Bloomfield Organ Series tunes up for its 23rd year in Wiedemann Hall

Music lovers rejoice, the Rie Bloomfield Organ Series at Wichita State is tuning up for its 23rd season. A total of 12 organ concerts will be held throughout the year, beginning in September.

The concerts will take place in Wiedemann Hall on the distinguished Marcussen organ. See concert details at www.wichita.edu/riebloomfieldorganseries.

The organ was built by Marcussen and Son, a Danish company that has been around for over 200 years. The organ is one of four Marcussen instruments in the United States. Both the organ and Wiedemann Hall were designed around each other, making it a very exciting experience for both organists and audience members.

Lynne Davis, the Robert L. Town Distinguished Professor of Organ, associate professor at Wichita State and international concert organist, has played many different organs across the globe, but she prefers the Marcussen organ above all others.

“We invite the best and most accomplished organists from all over the world to play on this fine instrument,” says Davis.

The organ series began Sept. 6 with “Wednesdays in Wiedemann with Lynne Davis”, founded in 2007 by Davis herself. There will also be three distinguished guest artists performing this year, beginning with Kimberly Marshall.

Marshall was the 1985 first prize winner in interpretation at the St. Albans International Organ Competition, and holds the Patricia and Leonard Goldman Endowed Professorship in Organ at Arizona State University.

During each performance following the intermission, Davis will conduct an onstage interview with the performer.

The “Conversation with the Artist” interviews will allow the audience to get an idea of who the performer is personally, beyond the musician,” says Davis. “It will also help demystify this big instrument.”

The Rie Bloomfield Organ Series will allow students and the public to experience the Marcussen organ in person. Admission is for the Distinguished Guest Artist concerts are $16 for adults and free for students, and can be purchased through the College of Fine Art’s website, www.wichita.edu/riebloomfieldorganseries.

Wednesdays in Wiedemann with Lynne Davis are free. Keep an eye on the Rie Bloomfield Organ Series Facebook page for information on upcoming events.


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