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DEKALB COUNTY, GA–The Atlanta Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society will host its annual Christmas celebration on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2:30 p.m., at Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, GA. This special event is free to attend and open to the public. The concert provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience classic songs performed on a traditional theatre pipe organ, of which there are only a few remaining in the United States and just a handful in the state of Georgia.
Ken Double, a theatre organist who regularly plays on the Mighty Mo at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, will lead the program on Stephenson’s Grande Page theatre organ. Fellow ATOS Atlanta members Larry Davis, Jay Mitchell and Ron Carter will also perform on the organ. These magnificent instruments became popular during the 1920s at the height of the silent film era and were designed to replicate the sound of a full orchestra on one instrument. The Grande Page organ can emulate the orchestral sounds of instruments including violins, flutes, trumpets, clarinets, tambourines, cymbals and even sleigh bells, allowing for a fully immersive holiday performance from just one performer.
Holiday songs performed will include “Winter Wonderland,” “The First Noel,” “We Need a Little Christmas,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and many more favorites.
“ATOS Atlanta invites the community to join us for a holiday celebration unlike any other,” said Double. “Thanks to Stephenson’s investment in keeping the arts alive, we can provide the whole community with a musical experience that will make this festive season extra special.”
The American Theatre Organ Society was founded in 1955 to promote preservation, awareness and celebration of these unique instruments. The Atlanta chapter is happy to share the joy of the theatre organ with the wider community.
Reach out to aparrish@rhythmcommunications.com or visit https://www.atosatlanta.org/ for more information about ATOS Atlanta.
About the American Theatre Organ Society – Atlanta Chapter
Founded in 1964, The American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS) – Atlanta Chapter is a member-
based nonprofit organization made up of musicians, music enthusiasts, historians and technicians in love with the music and the history of the great pipe organs. The group meets monthly to hear theatre organ programs by members and visiting artists, work on restoration projects, and enjoy social activities revolving around our passion for these magnificent instruments. To learn more about the organization or membership, visit https://www.atosatlanta.org/membership.html.
About the Theatre Organ
Theatre organs first gained popularity in the 1920s, during the height of the silent film era, when venues were dependent on live musical accompaniment for silent films, vaudeville and live stage performances. The theatre organ was designed to replicate the sound of a full orchestra on one instrument. After “talkies” became the standard in the 1930s, theatre organs became rare, and today there are only eight theatre organs in the state of Georgia. These locations include the Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, Strand Theatre in Marietta, Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Rylander Thea