Little Italy will be hosting the annual San Gennaro festival in mid-September, and internationally acclaimed concert organist, Renée Anne Louprette, will be offering a special concert on September 20—in the landmark Basilica of Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral.
As part of the concert, Ms. Louprette will incorporate works by Italian composers into her program in honor of the festival. However, in addition to celebrating the Feast of San Gennaro, this organ recital is actually part of a series of concerts and events that highlight the wonderful sounds and music created on the historic 1868 Henry Erben organ.
As explained by Friends of the Erben Organ, the organ is a window into the Victorian era, a time before recorded sound and electricity. With a total of 2,500 pipes, the sumptuous organ was brought by horse and carriage and carefully installed, with pipes made specifically for Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. It was built in NYC with uncompromising quality by the greatest American organ builder of the mid-19th century, Henry Erben, and is the largest and most significant remaining Erben instrument.
The organ itself is also in near-original condition, but to keep its beautiful sound it will have to undergo restorations—and that’s exactly what proceeds from your concert ticket will go toward. Tickets for the inspiring event are only $15, and will raise funds for the restoration of the 151-year-old Henry Erben Organ. Renée Anne Louprette will perform in the Basilica of Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral from 7 PM until 8 PM, playing on both the 1868 Erben organ as well as the 1859 Hall & Labagh organ.
Be sure to grab your tickets here before the event to experience the breathtaking sounds made by the mighty Erben played by “one of New York’s finest organists,” according to the The New York Times.
Where: Basilica of Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral, Mott and Prince Streets
When: September 20 at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $15, grab them here