"Creating the Stradivarius of Organs" is a behind-the-scenes look at the remarkable collaboration between dozens of artists and artisans on the journey of designing, building and installing the largest tracker organ in New York City since the 19th Century, the NP Mander Pipe Organ at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola. In 1993, this monumental instrument was completed in England and shipped to North America for the painstaking task of installing it into its new home. Standing over 45 feet high, weighing over 30 tons and comprised of 5000 pipes, the organ quickly became a musical icon, drawing renowned musicians from all over the world for an opportunity to perform on this magnificent "Stradivarius of Organs." "Creating the Stradivarius of Organs" Produced and directed by independent filmmaker Bert Shapiro (Pheasants Eye Productions), this 23-minute film contains archival footage and stills from the Mander workshop in London and the installation in New York, as well as interviews with organ builder John Mander, St. Ignatius Loyola organists Kent Tritle, Nancianne Parrella and Renée Anne Louprette; radio personality Michael Barone -- host of the NPR Program "Pipedreams," and organist David Higgs, who performed the inaugural concert of the organ in April 1993. "Unlike other instruments, the organ is designed, built and voiced for a specific space. This film beautifully highlights the unique symbiosis between the instrument and the building and the instrument and the performer <b>...</b>
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