RTOS-Grierson Wurlitzer

The West Herr Auditorium Theatre is the home of a magnificent Wurlitzer 4/23 (opus 1951) theatre organ. The console rises from the orchestra pit, and the sound of 1,619 pipes, trumpets, clarinet, saxophone, drums, shimmering strings, or marimbas emanates from the filigreed proscenium arch surrounding the main stage. The Rochester Theater Organ Society (RTOS) was formed in 1964 to rescue this organ from the luxurious downtown RKO Palace Theater, just before that 2916-seat, luxurious 1928 movie house fell to the wrecking ball of urban renewal in the mid-1960s. A complete history of the RTOS and Opus 1951 Wurlitzer is available on the RTOS website HERE.

Originally installed in Rochester’s RKO Palace Theatre and premiered in December of 1928. As built the organ was a four manual, 21 rank instrument. As currently installed the instrument has 23 ranks (a second Vox Humana and Post Horn have been added). The complete details and specifications for Opus 1951 is found on the RTOS website.