LATOS Los Angeles Theatre Organ Society

Welcome!

Theatre organs are considered by many to be the world’s very first synthesizers. They brought music to theatres in the early part of the 20th century before sound movies existed.

Using wind-blown pipes, and wind-operated percussions and traps, these amazing instruments could imitate the sounds of an entire orchestra.  An extensive variety of intricate controls gave a musician the ability to create a sound-track for "silent" movies, and entertain audiences by filling a theatre with music.

Theatre organs still survive today but are becoming increasingly rare.  They can be found in some movie palaces in Los Angeles, as well as in auditoriums and other venues.

The Los Angeles Theatre Organ Society is dedicated to the prservation and appreciation of these unique and fascinating musical marvels.

This website includes information about the theatre organs in the Los Angeles area, listings of upcoming performances and events, and other interesting facts.

We invite you to attend live performances and events that include a theatre organ to experience this unique and thrilling sound for yourself.

Wurlitzer pipe organ, Opus 1953 being staged at the factory in the 1920's.  Pipes in the picture are only a small representation of this giant instrument.

Keep visiting this website to learn about upcoming concerts and events!

OR Call

LATOS’ Info Line and Message Center at 1-888-LATOS22 (1-888-528-6722) for recorded event & ticket info, or to order advanced sale tickets by phone

 

LATOS Member Appreciation Day
Saturday, August 17, 2013 starting at 11:00am
See below for information.

Photo by DonHoltz.com

With thanks for the loyalty and support of its members, LATOS will host a Member Appreciation Day on Saturday, August 17 at the Old Town Music Hall at 140 Richmond Street in El Segundo. This exciting day will include:

11:00am to 1:15pm Open Console on the fabulous 4-manual/27-rank theatre pipe organ. Tony Wilson will be available to help members with registration and anything else they may need to insure an unforgettable experience playing the "the real thing". So, work up your favorite song and have the experience of your life! There will be a short break between 1:15pm and 1:45pm while the theatre is being prepared for the Matinee, so you'll have a chance to catch some fresh air.

Theatre re-opens at 1:45pm for the 2:30pm Movie Matinee with the 1927 Academy Award-winning silent film, "Sunrise" accompanied on the theatre pipe organ by Bill Field who is well-known and truly brilliant at accompanying silent films! The matinee will include music and a sing-along before the movie. You will experience the magic of what it was like to go to the movies in the 1920's.

The Richmond Bar and Grill
across the street from the theatre will be open for lunch from 12:00pm into the afternoon. Their sensibly priced menu includes burgers, homemade soups, salads and chili, chicken, steak, fish sandwiches or tacos, and more! LATOS will hold 75 seats at the restaurant for anyone who would like to have lunch during the event. Lunch will be no-host (members pay for their own lunch).

The open console and silent film matinee accompanied on the theatre pipe organ by Bill Field will be
complimentary for the first 100 LATOS members who RSVP by sending an e-mail to Angie Hougen at: Angie-Hougen-LATOS@latos.org. Angie will respond to all RSVP emails, and will include check-in information to those who are amongst the first 100. She will also provide wait list information for those who respond late. Please do not call the theatre, as they cannot accept RSVPs for this specific event.

Admission for non-member guests will only be $10 per person. Admission for non-member seniors over 62 will only be $8 per person.

DIRECTIONS to Old Town Music Hall

If you would like to become a member of LATOS or make a donation to help in the restoration and maintenance of pipe organs in the Los Angeles area, please click on the button below.

Membership or Donations