The Organ in America
The Organ in America
THE ORGAN IN AMERICA celebrates the surprising and storied contribution of what Mozart described as ‘the king of instruments’ to American culture, beginning with the rich musical traditions of upstate New York. Pipe organs once filled theatres, stadiums, and churches with soulful sounds, made possible by a booming independent organ-building industry which employed tens of thousands of skilled workers. Today, this rich legacy teeters on the edge of silence. Funding cuts and dwindling remembrance threaten to relegate the organ to distant memory, even as most Americans have never experienced the wonder of hearing one played live.
THE ORGAN IN AMERICA brings audiences into universities, cathedrals, churches, theaters and galleries, and even a minor league baseball stadium, immersing them in the majesty, value, culture and history, and sadly also the fragile future, of a magnificent instrument that once defined the nation in sound.
The Message
Without an engaged audience, the organ’s majestic voice could fade into silence. Yet across the country, builders and musicians are fighting to keep its music alive. The Organ in America showcases the dedication of these artists and the breathtaking power of the instruments they love. It follows a dedicated cast of college students as they discover their passion for the instrument. The film affirms that the organ’s time has not passed. Audiences will come away not only appreciating the organ, but motivated to join in its preservation and celebration, ensuring that the sound of this monumental instrument continues to resonate for generations to come.
Help us complete this film and revive the Organ in America!
Join the growing list of individuals and organisations who have contributed financially to help us complete this film and maximise its impact. We welcome donations in two ways.
1) Please become a Digital or DVD Subscriber, Patron or Producer by using the dropdown menu at the bottom of this page.
2) If you are a US taxpayer and would like to donate in a tax efficient way please make a gift of any amount to the Organ Research and History Fund at Syracuse University. Please email Will Fraser at will@fuguestatefilms.co.uk for further information.
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The Team
Our Partners
- Syracuse University
- American Guild of Organists
- Central New York Humanities Corridor
- Kerner & Merchant Pipe Organ Builders
- Parsons Pipe Organ Builders
- Plus many generous individuals
Annie Laver
presenter, co-author, co-producer
Annie Laver is an organist and educator who is passionate about expanding engagement with the pipe organ. In her role as Associate Professor of Organ and University Organist at Syracuse University, she educates the next generation of organists and leads outreach efforts around the instrument while maintaining an active performing career.
Will Fraser
director, co-author, co-producer
Will Fraser is an independent filmmaker, author, and organist whose extensive film library about pipe organs has garnered multiple accolades from leading music magazines and a devoted following of organ enthusiasts. His film, Cowboy and Preacher, a story of environmentalism and Christianity, appeared on more than 2,000 PBS World stations in 2025.
Price range: £38.50 through £30,000.00