Cleveland Masonic Auditorium

This massive complex designed by Cleveland architects Hubbell & Benes, was started in 1919 and includes a grand 3,000-seat auditorium, numerous lodge rooms, a ballroom, and an indoor shooting range. In addition to the main auditorium, the complex has been host to a variety of pipe organs through the years.

Sunday evening’s concert will be a groundbreaking effort, as registrants will unite with the several hundred members of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS) who are  also having their annual convention in Cleveland. This performance will serve as not only the ATOS grand finale, but also our official OHS grand opening. The event will feature the unveiling of a renovated 1924 four-manual, Wurlitzer (Opus 793) currently under installation in the auditorium, and the celebration of the large 1919 historic four-manual Austin (Opus 823) original to the building. When the main auditorium was completed in 1919, the movie-palace styled room was appointed with a decorative plastered ceiling, chandeliers, large stage house and, of course, a pipe organ. The building was well under construction when the Austin Organ Company suggested it place the entire instrument on stage left side of the building, leaving a massive empty chamber on stage right. Luckily for the Austin however, very generous grilles allow the organ’s front five divisions to speak freely into the room. A sixth division, the Echo, speaking from the rear of the auditorium, is currently undergoing restorative efforts lead by organ technician and OHS member Paul Marchesano. In 2007, the Western Reserve Chapter of ATOS began refurbishing a Wurlitzer organ originally installed in the Granada (Fox) Theater, Santa Barbara, California. This organ is currently being installed within the long-empty stage right chambers.

Keeping to our theme of the day, these two pipe organs will show their abilities to duel, accompany, and function in ensemble and solo roles. We are privileged to have Wanamaker organist Peter Richard Conte demonstrate the Austin. Taking turns on the Wurlitzer will be Jelani Eddington, Chris Elliott, and Rob Richards. Pianist Alex Zsolt and a pops orchestra on stage will also round out the performers in this event.