The Strand Theatre congratulates to our friends at Carlton Smith Pipe Organ Restorations and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra on the premier of the newly restored Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ at the Hilbert Circle Theatre!

The console was placed on stage so the audience could see the organist.    The inaugural piece was Saint-Saens Symphony No. 3.   The full orchestra  and organ gave the audience a aural sensation not heard in the Circle in many years.   The sound of a theatre pipe organ, albeit doing classical duty, coming from the chambers on the right and left.   Martin Ellis did a fine job in bringing the organ into its place as a noteworthy instrument in this country.

The restoration by Carlton Smith, Justin Nimmo and many others made this Wurlitzer a versatile and tonally magnificent instrument.    The audience gave a standing ovation to the performance and the instrument.

The above picture was taken at 9:10 PM just before the end of the intermission and before the premier, which took place on the second half of the program.

Many people from the years gone by are remembered tonight as this instrument plays once again.    Special friends from the past including Dessa Byrd and Tom Ferree  are looking down smiling at the seed they help plant.

There will be plenty of opportunities to hear this instrument.  Contact the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Box Office to inquire about upcoming concerts and tickets.

The Strand is excited for that day when we premier our theatre pipe organ!