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Downstate organ musician performing Friday at St. Anne’s

Nicholas Schmelter of Caro, Michigan is visiting the Copper Country to play the organ at the Keweenaw Heritage Center Friday afternoon. Schmelter says he was drawn to the instrument because of its variety.

All the knobs, all the controls, and of course the ability to use your feet, the pedalboard, to make music too. So, really every stop of the organ and all the different names of those stops represent a different sound; a flute, what’s called a principle, which is an organ sound, some are even called violin.

This will be his first recital in over 14 months stateside, but Schmelter just finished a tour of Europe playing in some of the continent’s most beautiful venues.

Organs used to be found in more places; from old-time movie palaces to ballparks. When used in a secular setting, the works tend to be improvised. Schmelter says his show will feature several folk and period pieces. He is impressed by the commitment from the center to feature organists twice a week.

Well I think it’s terrific that Heritage Center offers open doors two days a week in which the organ is played. Every time an instrument is used and played publicly, every time doors are opened and people can hear…Good heavens! that’s the next generation of music enthusiasts, organ enthusiasts that get nurtured.

The matinee is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM.

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