Parker Kitterman, organist

Vocalists from Opera Philadelphia

Chamber ensemble with live electronics

ORGAN: 1921 Austin

Rodeph Shalom, 615 North Broad Street, Philadelphia

Partners for Sacred Places presents the Philadelphia Organ Festival, showcasing the unique power of the pipe organ to create music that moves and awes the listener, in settings that represent some of Philadelphia’s finest architecture.

Experience the U.S. premiere of a powerful film in this compelling performance! Politically censored and lost until the early 21st century, the 1926 Columbian silent film Garras de Oro is rediscovered through Juan Pablo Carreño’s thrilling new score. Featuring an ensemble of musicians with organist Parker Kitterman, under the baton of Philadelphia Orchestra Assistant Conductor Austin Chanu, this performance provides an operatic setting for the film’s provocative statement on Colombian and Central American history. Kitterman, who serves as Director of Music and Organist at Christ Church, is renowned for his contemporary music explorations, and is the perfect match of artist and music for this adventurous, collaborative premiere. Rodeph Shalom is an appropriate setting with its sparkling art deco design recalling the progressive presence of Philadelphia’s Jewish community that has defined much of North Broad Street’s thriving commerce and culture for nearly a century.

This concert is part of the Philadelphia Organ Festival, taking place from March 15 through March 22, 2024. See the full list of events at phillyorganfestival.org.