2022 Annual Appeal

Dear friend,

For more than fifty years, our beloved Fisk organ, Op. 55, has inspired us with its artistic beauty — and, for many of us, has taught and encouraged us to be better organists and musicians.

Frankly, it’s hard to believe Old West’s iconic instrument marked its 50th birthday during the pandemic year of 2021. Some of us who read this letter will fondly remember its installation and inaugural — and others of us are just now discovering its glories as brand new students of the pipe organ.

Indeed, Op. 55 continues to train new generations of organists, as it currently serves as the primary teaching instrument for Boston Organ Studio. Its sensitive key action and responsive pipe speech continue to push new students and seasoned performers alike to be better organists — and its shimmering, dynamic timbres continue to transform the way we hear music from across the centuries.

The Old West Organ Society remains committed to sharing this special piece of Boston’s musical landscape with our neighbors and friends — while also continuing to be responsible for its physical upkeep and maintenance. This past summer, we were thrilled to resume a full season of our Tuesday evening summer concerts, presenting nine fabulous programs with music ranging from Sweelinck and Buxtehude to several pieces which received a world-premiere performance on our treasured Fisk. In March 2022, we were treated to a fabulous Bach Birthday program performed by Jeremy Bruns and, in November, we welcomed home our great friend Gregory Crowell for the annual Yuko Hayashi Memorial Recital.

None of these activities — nor Op. 55’s ongoing maintenance — is possible without the generous financial support of you, our donors. Indeed, your loyal support ensures the Old West Organ Society's vitality and health. Organ maintenance is hardly earth-shattering or exciting, but it is essential as Op. 55 gracefully ages. And, to continue artistic programming at such a high level, we depend on our members and donors — those of you who have given faithfully for decades and those who will join the Society with a first donation this year.

So, please join us in renewing — or initiating! — your annual membership with a generous contribution to Old West Organ Society. We look forward to welcoming you to Old West again very soon!

With great appreciation for your support,

The Old West Organ Society Board of Directors

Donations by check may be mailed to:

The Old West Organ Society • Jeffrey Mead, treasurer

72 Trenton Street • Melrose, MA 02176