STG Receives National Preservation Award for Maintaining Wurlitzer Organ

Last night at the 2010 annual convention for the American Theatre Organ Society, Seattle Theatre Group was awarded a national preservation award for their work in maintaining the historic Paramount's Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.

The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ is the 65th organ to be given this award and placed on the national registry of significant instruments. The registry designates this as an organ of exceptional historic and musical merit, worthy of preservation. Registration is given to the owner (STG) in trust as long as the organ is maintained in a manner consistent with its musical and historic significance.

The Paramount Theatre is home to the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, one of the last three remaining organs of its kind to reside in its original environment. Installed March 1, 1928 as part of the theatre's grand opening, The Paramount's Mighty Wurlitzer is one of the most ornate organ consoles ever produced. Its elegant keydesk was decorated at the Wurlitzer factory in Louis XVI style to match the theatre décor, including replication of the ornate flower basket designs featured throughout the grand theatre.

Lovingly cared for by the Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society (PSTOS), since the late 1950's, the Mighty Wurlitzer has stood the test of time performing well beyond its originally projected lifespan. A high-tech wonder of its day, there are over 20,000 moving parts - requiring careful maintenance, a meticulous process. Annually, they spend hundreds of volunteer hours to keep the instrument in playable condition.

"STG is honored to accept this award and would like to thank Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society, who continue to care for the organ on a volunteer basis, for their ongoing partnership," said STG Executive Director, Josh LaBelle.

STG is the 501 (c)(3) non-profit arts organization that operates the historic Paramount and Moore Theatres in Seattle, Washington. Our mission is to make diverse performing arts and education an integral part of our region's cultural identity while keeping these two landmark venues alive and vibrant. STG presents a range of performances from Broadway, off-Broadway, dance and jazz to comedy, concerts of all genres, speakers and family shows - at both historic theatres in Seattle and venues throughout the Puget Sound and Portland, Oregon.

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