ASK someone what they know about pipe organs and most will conjure up an image from The Phantom of the Opera or almost every bride-walks-down-the-aisle scene in any movie with a wedding.
Unlike the guitar, drums or any array of brass or wind instruments, the pipe organ is not really an instrument people will leave their homes to watch a musician play.
But Dominic Perissinotto has spent two decades trying to change that.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWHe returns to Fremantle’s St Patrick’s Basilica next month for part three of the Pipe Organ Plus concert series, bringing the grand organ’s four keyboards and 6000 pipes to life with a range of French-themed music. Two cameras positioned in the organ loft will also give the audience a rare look at the musician’s hands and feet at work from the comfort of their seats.
Perissinotto said when he established the Pipe Organ Plus series 17 years ago, he built it around the instrument he played every week.
“Some pipe organs are very specific in what style of music they can play. Something can sound truly wonderful, whereas another style just will not work,” he said.
“This is never the case in the Basilica as over the four keyboards and pedals, with 87 different stops (sounds), it is possible to bring any style of music to life.
“The Grand Organ at the Basilica is one of the hidden gems in Fremantle. Most people are blown away by its grandeur and the enormous power held within the instrument, while also revelling in the myriad soft sounds also heard.
“Being able to bring music to life to an audience who love to explore new pieces, as well as revisiting well-known works, brings me great joy.”
Creator, concert three of Pipe Organ Plus 2017, is at St Patrick’s Basilica from 2.30pm September 17. Visit www.trybooking.com/oody for tickets.
MORE: Our bumper Perth City to Surf 2017 picture gallery
MORE: Muslim rom-com Ali’s Wedding wins CinefestOz Film Festival
MORE: Check those tickets: WA records 46th division one Lotto winner for the year