Thirty years ago, in September 1985, an organ built by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford, CT, was installed in the choir gallery of St. Stanislaus Cathedral in Scranton. For the past three decades the organ has sounded forth under the hands and feet of several organists almost daily leading the congregation in song, accompanying the choir, providing music for weddings, funerals, and the various services held at the Cathedral. Despite its faithful service to the church, this instrument has almost never been heard in concert. Considering that with its three manuals (keyboards), pedals, and forty-four stops it ranks as one of the larger organs in the city, the organ has had the status of a well-kept secret.

On Sunday, 13 September, 2015, at 4:00 PM the organ will be heard in concert as the cathedral’s Director of Music and Organist, Peter V. Picerno, presents a recital to commemorate the organ’s thirtieth birthday. Music by J. S. Bach, John Rutter, Leo Sowerby, Maurice Duruflé, Louis Vierne, and others will provide a tour of the organ’s tonal resources as well as present music not usually heard in the context of church services.

Dr. Picerno, who began his work at St. Stanislaus Cathedral in January, holds degrees in organ performance and musicology from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, the University of Oregon, and the University of Kansas. He also spent a year as a Fulbright Scholar pursuing studies in Italy. Before moving to Scranton, he served churches in Ohio, Oregon, Kansas, Tennessee, and Florida. He has performed organ recitals throughout the USA and has performed at regional and national gatherings of the American Guild of Organists and the Organ Historical Society.

The concert is free and open to the public. Ample free parking is available surrounding the Cathedral which is located at 529 East Locust Street.