Please join us for an exciting event celebrating the 150th year of our grand 1868 Henry Erben organ, on the first day of the San Gennaro Festival in Little Italy.

At 7:30 PM, the acclaimed organist Raymond Nagem will perform a recital utilizing both the 1859 Hall & Labagh Chancel Organ and the Henry Erben organ in the loft. The program will include Italian music for the festival. In addition, we have also invited renowned Erben expert Stephen Pinel to give a pre-concert presentation on Henry Erben’s life and work beginning at 6:30 PM in the undercroft, near the catacombs of the Basilica. The entrance is on the Mulberry Street side of the Basilica.

Also joining us this evening will be the person who worked on the organ 50 years ago: Sam Donelson. His work made it possible for attendees of the 1969 Organ Historical Society Convention to hear this grand instrument, and he is an important part of the instrument’s life. Join us on this historic evening!

Both events are free of charge, though a free-will donation will be graciously accepted. The event is co-sponsored by Friends of the Erben Organ, the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, and the NYC Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.