Organist Visits SOTB

Peter Richard Conte, Grand Court Organist of the Wanamaker Organ in Macy’s, brings his renowned style, virtuosic playing, and diverse repertoire to Door County for the first time on July 27 at 7 pm at Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay. Conte programs transcriptions (many of them works he has arranged himself) of recognizable audience-favorite pieces.

Collaborating with Conte will be Andrew Ennis, adding the mellow tones of the flügelhorn to the colors of the organ. Trumpet-like in appearance, a flügelhorn’s tone is fuller, richer, and somewhat deeper than that of a trumpet or cornet.

Conte is highly regarded as a skillful performer and arranger of organ transcriptions. He has been featured on National Public Radio and on ABC television’s Good Morning America and World News Tonight. His monthly radio show, “The Wanamaker Organ Hour,” airs on the first Sunday of each month, at 6 pm, and can be heard via the internet at wrti.org.

In addition to his concert career, Conte serves as Choirmaster and Organist of St. Clement’s Church in Philadelphia, where he directs a professional choir in music of the Anglo Catholic tradition. That choir has recorded several internationally acclaimed compact discs on the Dorian label. Conte’s organ recordings appear on the Gothic, Dorian, Jav and DTR labels.

The Conte-Ennis organ-plus-one duo promises a program of brilliant virtuosic playing, humor, and grace.

A reception following the concert will provide an opportunity to greet the performers and welcome them to Door County. There is no admission charge. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit future musical events at the church. Shepherd of the Bay is located at 11836 State Hwy 42 in Ellison Bay.