Welcome to the world of the Grande Page Pipe organ!
The Embassy offers patrons a unique and historic experience like none other! Whether you desire to focus on the Grande Pape pipe organ on its own or alongside iconic films from a century past, this lovely and melodic instrument is showcased by an array of talented organists who specialize in highlighting its thrilling music and sound effects.
The Grande Page pipe organ (4-manual, 16-rank) is lovingly maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers, and has for the past century, drawn organ fanatics—at times, party train-cars full of them—to hear this magnificent instrument played, by some of the greats—including our beloved Buddy Nolan. We hope to honor this history and invite the community to join us as we revisit silent cinema classics and feature unparalleled organist talent who will lend context to the films and music at each event.
Buddy Nolan Memorial Concert with organist Steven Ball
Sunday, July 20 at 3 p.m.
Buddy Nolan, an integral part of the Embassy’s history, was a much-loved organist known for his midnight organ concerts that would bring crowds of people downtown to be a part of the late-night phenomenon. This year, we are excited to have Steven Ball as the organist for the memorial concert.
Click here to learn more about organist Steven Ball.
TICKETS are free for 12 and under, 65 and over, and members of the Embassy. All other tickets are $10 (plus applicable fees) and can be purchased here. Stop by the Embassy’s STAR Bank box office (open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) to obtain free tickets or to avoid online fees.
Tickets are free for Embassy members. For others, prices are $5 for children 12 and under or seniors 65+, and $10 for everyone else. To obtain free tickets visit the STAR Bank box office at the Embassy.
Ben-Hur with organist Clark Wilson
Sunday, July 13 at 3 p.m.
Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ is a 1925 American silent epic adventure-drama film directed by Fred Niblo and written by June Mathis based on the 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by General Lew Wallace. Starring Ramon Novarro as the title character, the film is the first feature-length adaptation of the novel and second overall, following the 1907 silent short film.
Plot: A Jewish prince seeks to find his family and revenge himself upon his childhood friend who had him wrongly imprisoned.
Click here to learn about organist Clark Wilson.
The Wizard of Oz with organist Dennis Scott
Sunday, July 27 at 3 p.m.
The Wizard of Oz is a 1925 American silent fantasy-adventure comedy film directed by Larry Semon, who has the lead role of a Kansas farmhand disguised as the Scarecrow. This production, which is the only completed 1920s adaptation of L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, stars Dorothy Dwan as Dorothy, Oliver Hardy as the Tin Woodman, and Curtis McHenry briefly disguised as a less "cowardly" Lion than in the 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer version of Baum's work, The Wizard of Oz.
Plot: Dorothy, heir to the Oz throne, must take it back from the wicked Prime Minister Kruel with the help of three farmhands.
Click here to learn about organist Dennis Scott.
The Gold Rush & short The Immigrant with organist Cletus Goens
Sunday, August 10 at 3 p.m.
The Gold Rush is a 1925 American silent comedy film written, produced and directed by Charlie Chaplin. The film also stars Chaplin in his Little Tramp persona. Georgia Hale, Mack Swain, Tom Murray, Henry Bergman and Malcolm Waite also star in this feature.
Plot: A prospector goes to the Klondike during the 1890s gold rush in hopes of making his fortune and is smitten with a girl he sees in a dance hall.
The Immigrant is a 1917 American silent romantic comedy short written and directed by Charlie Chaplin. The film stars Chaplin's Tramp character as an immigrant coming to the United States. It also stars Edna Purviance and Eric Campbell.
Plot: Charlie is an immigrant who endures a challenging voyage and gets into trouble as soon as he arrives in America.
Click here to learn more about organist Cletus Goens.
The Lost World with organist Cletus Goens
Sunday, August 24 at 3 p.m.
The Lost World is a 1925 American silent fantasy giant monster adventure film, directed by Harry O. Hoyt and written by Marion Fairfax, adapted from Arthur Conan Doyle's 1912 novel of the same name.
Plot: The first film adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic novel about a land where prehistoric creatures still roam.
Click here to learn more about organist Cletus Goens.
Tickets are free for Embassy members. For others, prices are $5 for children 12 and under or seniors 65+, and $10 for everyone else. To obtain free tickets visit the STAR Bank box office at the Embassy.
The Phantom of the Opera with organist Cletus Goens
Saturday, October 18 at 7 p.m.
(This is part of Fright Night activities in downtown Fort Wayne.)
The Phantom of the Opera is a 1925 American silent horror film adaptation of Gaston Leroux's novel of the same name directed by Rupert Julian and starring Lon Chaney in the title role.
Plot: A mad, disfigured composer seeks love with a lovely young opera singer.
Click here to learn more about organist Cletus Goens.