Rodgers Debuts at 'Music Under the Stars' Concert Series

For 57 years, the historic Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre has hosted the popular Music Under The Stars series of free summer concerts. The Toledo Concert Band, under the direction of Samuel P. Szor, is featured each Sunday playing a variety of classical and popular music. In addition to the band, regional musical, choral and dance performers are invited to perform.

For the first time in the history of Music Under The Stars, an organ performance was a part of the 2009 program. In cooperation with the Toledo Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, Terry Brassell from T.S. Good Church Organ Company coordinated the use of two Rodgers organs. The first was an Allegiant 698 three-manual instrument, which was used on the main stage for the performance with the band. In addition, a Rodgers Insignia 548 organ was played by AGO chapter members in the Zoo's Broadway Pavilion as the more than 3,500 guests arrived for the concert.

Organist Shin-Ae Chun began the organ portion of the concert with J.S. Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (played with the Concert Band), followed by Toledo Area Theatre Organ Society Vice President Darel Brainard with a medley of songs from "Phantom of the Opera."

The patriotic theme for the evening's program was "Clearly: U.S.A." Local vocalist Phil Skeldon, grandson of the original Toledo Zoo director, sang a stirring rendition of "God Bless America" accompanied by Terry Brassell at the organ.

Director Szor has asked the AGO to consider scheduling a future performance. "Waiting 57 years for the organ to be played here was far too long," said Szor. "We would love to have you back again soon!"