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Instruments at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and the Catholic Cathedral in La Crosse, Wisconsin demonstrate two divergent ways of approaching the ‘classical organ’.
Whether with chamber orchestra, symphonic ensemble, or just one partner player, the idea of an ‘organ concert’ is totally engaging.
Hear about our upcoming show
The Canadian Int'l Organ Comp.
, Program No. 1207 (2/13/2012)
The world lost an exceptional musician and gentleman with the recent death of Gerre Hancock [1934-2012] who, from 1971 to 2004, was master of the choristers at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in New York City and, more recently, professor of organ and sacred music at the University of Texas-Austin.
Dr. Hancock's comments and performances are featured in #0418 - Honoring the Hancocks, and also in two early Pipedreams programs AGO 1982 VIII and AGO 1982 XI when he and the St. Thomas Choir appeared during the 1982 American Guild of Organists National Convention in Washington, DC. We are also featuring a downloadable podcast of a dazzling improvisation recorded during the 1986 AGO Convention in Detroit, featuring the 1957 Aeolian-Skinner organ at Ford Auditorium. This podcast will be available in our Organ Notes Newsletter. If you don't already subscribe, you can sign up to hear this amazing performance.
Earlier in the same week, we lost another remarkable musical figure, Gustav Leonhardt [1928-2012] an exemplary recitalist on organ and harpsichord, teacher, and leader of the revival of interest in historic keyboard repertoire and performance practice. His thoughtful and vital performances made old music sound new again
In May of 2007 Pipedreams started using a new audio player with better audio quality. Since that time we have been adding and upgrading older shows in our archive. This page is an update of our progress.
Check out the pictures and commentary posted by Michael to our Facebook fan page while traveling on the 2010 Pipedreams Tour to Southern France.
Have a question about the show or about Pipe organs?
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Sign up for the Pipedreams e-mail newsletter Organ Notes. This weekly newsletter provides information about that weeks show, listings of future programs and a link to listen to both segments of the program.
Some stations broadcast only the first of the two segments of Pipedreams. Sign up here by checking the box next to Organ Notes and then filling out the information.
Minnesota Public Radio News has a feature about Michael’s passion for the pipe organ.
Read The New York Time’s article about Michael and the 25th Anniversary of Pipedreams.
In MemoriamRobert Glasgow (5/30/25-9/10/08)
Hear his comments and his exceptional performances during the 1980 AGO National Convention in Minnesota.
Have a question about the show? Can’t remember the name of something you heard? Can’t find something on our site? Let us know
Keep track of Michael’s public appearances here.
Check out our list of upcoming events.
Behind the Facade:
A Listener’s Guide to the Pipe Organ

1996 Randall Dyer organ at Queen of Peace Church, Ocala, FL
National broadcasts of Pipedreams are made possible with funding from the National Endowment of the Arts, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley C. Dudley, MAHADH Fund of HRK Foundation, by the contributions of listeners to American Public Media stations, and by the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America, APOBA, representing designers and creators of fine instruments heard throughout the country, on the Web, and toll-free at 800-473-5270.