Philadelphia Organ Festival

There is no instrument with the same majesty and depth of the organ—capable of imitating a thousand earthly and celestial sounds yet bound to the building it calls home, and giving those special places breath through myriad pipes which can shake the foundations and rustle the rafters.

In a city known for its many firsts, Partners for Sacred Places is excited to invite you to Philadelphia’s first major organ festival! The festival will highlight the organ’s ability to inspire composers, artists, and audiences—a unique opportunity to explore the city and its sounds. Experience some of the city’s finest historic organs and landmark sacred places, as these inspired performances bring together music across centuries and genres. You’ll hear the organ as a partner in chamber music, in vocal works old and new, with period instruments, and in unlikely pairings with percussion and contemporary music ensembles. And in two special events, you will hear the organ provide a thrilling soundtrack for history-making silent films.

Discover the unique power of the pipe organ to create music that moves and awes listeners, in settings that represent some of the finest Philadelphia architecture. From longtime organ fans to curious neighbors and families who live and work near these beautiful spaces, all are invited to experience the organ in ways that will transcend expectations and open doors to new intersections of community and culture.