RTOS 60th Anniversary

The Rochester Theater Organ Society (RTOS), for the past several decades, has held anniversary celebrations for RTOS members and supporters to commemorate their legacy of presenting over 2,000 live theatre organ performances and special programs to the Greater Rochester, NY community. The 4/23 Wurlitzer theatre organ originally installed in the RKO Palace theatre is recognized as a world-class treasure. RTOS continues to present an annual series of programs of theatre organ programs, was host to the 2019 annual convention of the American Theater Organ Society (ATOS) and will be hosting the 2026 ATOS convention attracting an international audience of hundreds of attendees.

For their 60^th Anniversary Event, the RTOS presented dual performances and a celebratory reception Sunday, September 29, 2024, a day that happened to be the 2024 Silent Movie Day. The afternoon began with a Walt Disney themed program presented by John Ledwon, a staff organist from the Disney El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, CA. John’s program included many Disney tunes and a silent Mickey Mouse movie, “Plane Crazy”.

Following John’s program, the RTOS presented organist Tim Schramm with an Honorary Membership in recognition of his many contributions over decades of service to the Society.

A break between the two programs provided an opportunity for members, guests and artists to socialize in a celebratory reception in the theater’s mezzanine area including finger food, refreshments and cake.  This area is a much underutilized area and with ongoing renovations to the RBTL’s West Herr Auditorium Theatre will provide a space for many more celebrations in the future.

The afternoon concluded with the Harold Lloyd silent film, “Speedy” with organ accompaniment by organist Brett Miller.