Guest Artist Profile: Cameron Carpenter
With his exceptional musicality, sheer endless technical ability and pioneering spirit, the extraordinary organist Cameron Carpenter is already leaving his mark on recent music history.
Since the completion of his own instrument, the International Touring Organ (ITO) in 2014, Cameron defies initial skepticism towards this digital instrument and established the ITO on the world’s most prestigious stages.
By now, he almost exclusively performs on the ITO, be it in recital or concerto appearances. This tailor-made instrument, based on Carpenter’s own plans, allows him to perform at almost any location worldwide.
Thus far, he has taken it on tour to Australia, New Zealand, Russia and Asia in addition to numerous appearances around Europe and the US.
While he is in Erie, though, Cameron will be performing on our recently-donated organ from Dennis and Margaret Unks, a 1500-piece Wurlitzer Theatre Organ that is currently being refurbished and outfitted for the Warner Theatre during renovations. This will truly be a concert for the ages. Mark your calendars now for February 26, 2022.
Local Talent
Born in 1981 in Titusville, Pennsylvania, Carpenter had his first piano and organ lessons starting in 1986 with Dr. Beth Etter, who still performs with the Erie Philharmonic frequently. Besides this mentorship, Cameron also studied with John Bertalot and James Litton. Additionally, at the North Carolina School of Arts, he studied composition and organ with John E. Mitchener.
Local teacher recalls teaching virtuoso Carpenter
Of course, I went. I sat in the first row, the middle rows — left, right and center, as far back as I could go and more in order to assess his sound in the spectacular, circular hall. I watched and marveled at the maniacal yet methodical, intensely focused, organized rehearsal which didn’t end until he was satisfied with nuances often hard to detect. What do you expect from a young talent whose ambition is to change the position of the organ in the entire world — forever?
- Dr. Beth Etter
How do I see Cameron live?!
Due to extremely high demand for subscriptions for next season, the best way to guarantee a seat is currently with a subscription. New subscribers save 10% - call to redeem this offer.
If you would like individual tickets, those will go on sale October 12.
Subscriptions such as a Full, Symphonic, Compose Your Own, or Flex 4 could all include our February 26 concert featuring Cameron and the debut of the Unks organ.
The Erie Philharmonic remote box office is currently open 9am-5pm Monday through Thursday. You can call (814) 455-1375 for more information.