Historic organ will be rededicated with commission work by composer John Zorn

Kevin Bowyer performance: Fri Apr 3, 8 p.m. Herrick Chapel
Ceremony and Paul Jacobs performance: Sat Apr 4, 3 p.m. Herrick Chapel
Silent film and Davis Folkerts performance: Sat Apr 4, 8 p.m. Herrick Chapel

Photos of the restoration of Herrick Chapel's historic Aeolian Skinner organ accompanied by College organist Linda Bryant playing an excerpt from J.S. Bach's "Prelude and Fugue in E Flat Major BWV 552."

Photos by Jim Powers, Sarah DeLong, and Cheryl Fleener-Seymour. Slide show by Caitlin Wells '08. Related:

The world premiere of a colorful commission by composer John Zorn will be a program highlight when Grinnell College's newly restored, 60-year-old Aeolian Skinner organ is rededicated, April 3–4, in Herrick Chapel.

The Zorn commission promises to explore the full range of the College's highly valued instrument, which was installed in 1948 and refurbished throughout 2007 and 2008 by the A. Thompson-Allen Co. of New Haven, Conn. Noted for its age and unique place in organ history, the Herrick Chapel organ includes electro-pneumatic action, with 48 speaking stops, 59 ranks of pipes, 25-bar tube chimes, and a 61-bar harp.

The Organ Historical Society will designate the chapel organ a "Historic Instrument" during the rededication weekend, which includes the following free, public events:

April 3, 8 p.m.: Renowned organist Kevin Bowyer will play a recital featuring the Zorn commission. Zorn, an American composer known for challenging and adventurous work, creates music reflecting a multitude of influences, including jazz, rock, hardcore punk, classical, cartoon, klezmer, and improv. Bowyer, who is organist at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, has been described as "one of the world's hardiest and most formidable virtuosos," for his ability to perform new, unusual, and difficult music. His Grinnell program will also include works by Schober, Dench, and Camilleri.

April 4, 3 p.m.: Julliard faculty member Paul Jacobs, known as "one of the most supremely gifted young organists of his generation," will perform the rededication recital, including the "Trio Sonata in E Minor" by Bach and works by Dupre, Barber, Sowerby, and Liszt. Jacobs' recital will be preceded by a brief rededication ceremony by members of the Organ Historical Society, with remarks by Grinnell College President Russell Osgood; the organ restorers; and Linda Bryant, college organist. A reception will follow the recital in the Bucksbaum Center for the Arts rotunda at 1116 Park.

April 4, 8 p.m.: Iowa organist Davis Folkerts will conclude the organ rededication weekend with accompaniment to silent films in a program titled "Pipes and Pedals for Pleasure and Phun." Davis is retired from the music faculty at Central College and has consulted extensively on organ installations throughout the country.

Herrick Chapel is located at the intersection of 7th Ave. and Park St. on the Grinnell College campus.