Paramount Pipes: Open Console & Concert at the Historic Paramount Theatre
Saturday, May 10 · 1:30 PM – Middletown, NY
Free Admission | All Ages Welcome
Middletown, NY — The mighty Wurlitzer returns to center stage at the historic Paramount Theatre as the
New York Theatre Organ Society (NYTOS) presents Paramount Pipes, a free public celebration of the
theatre pipe organ on Saturday, May 10.
The event begins at 1:30 PM with a guided virtual tour and demonstration of the theatre’s remarkable
1923 Wurlitzer organ, followed by an Open Console Hour, where attendees of all ages and skill levels
are invited to sit at the bench and try the organ for themselves—no experience needed! At 3:00 PM,
celebrated organist Juan Cardona Jr. will perform a one-hour concert of showstopping selections for
the theatre organ.
Juan Cardona Jr., of Newtown, CT, is an award-winning concert artist and silent film accompanist who
has performed throughout the U.S. He currently serves as staff organist for both the Bardavon Opera
House in Poughkeepsie and the Thomaston Opera House in Connecticut. His expressive performances
have captivated audiences from across the country.
“This is the first time the Wurlitzer has taken the spotlight at the Paramount since before the pandemic,”
said Dan Rousseau, Vice-Chair of NYTOS. “We’re thrilled to partner with the City of Middletown and the
Central Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists to reintroduce the Theatre Organ to
the people of Middletown.
About the Organ:
Originally built in 1923 and relocated from the Clairidge Theatre in Montclair, NJ, the Paramount’s
Wurlitzer features 3 manuals and 12 ranks—slightly larger than the original 1930 Wurlitzer once housed
in the same theatre with over 900 pipes, sound effects, and percussions.
About the Venue:
The Paramount Theatre is a cornerstone of downtown Middletown, opened in 1930 by Paramount Publix
Corporation and now owned and operated by the City of Middletown. It continues to host live
performances, classic films, and special community events.
Presented by: New York Theatre Organ Society
Supported by: City of Middletown & Paramount Theatre
Sponsored by: Central Hudson Valley Chapter, American Guild of Organists (www.chvago.org
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