Northrop Organist Greg Zelek in Concert
Join us for an entertaining evening of organ virtuosity as we welcome newly appointed Northrop Organist Greg Zelek to his first concert in this role. Zelek will serve as a performer, educator, advisor, and resident artist, as well as oversee ongoing care of Northrop’s spectacular and historic Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ. This concert will be Zelek’s first opportunity to thrill the audience with expert selections from a wide-range of repertoire, and experience firsthand the enthusiastic and supportive Northrop audience!
Free for UMN students; registration required. This concert is free to UMN students and is just one of many engaging activities scheduled as part of Northrop’s Open House. Join us!
“Zelek, a consummate artist...has the ability to make the 2-manual Aeolian-Skinner Opus 963 organ, installed in 1937, overcome both its venerability and vulnerability in a beautiful performance of carefully selected music.”—Phindie
“Zelek was physically animated throughout the performance. His hands flew across three levels of keyboards while his feet worked the pedalboard like somebody playing Dance Dance Revolution in an arcade.”—Wisconsin State Journal
“Seeing and hearing Zelek in action helps explain why praise follows the organist everywhere.”—Isthmus
“Zelek, however, is the glue that holds everything together and is also the reason why the concerts can be labeled entertainment. Because they’re not just music; they are joyful productions. Zelek is a performer, not just a musician.”—Bill Wineke, Channel 3000
“Organist Greg Zelek managed the difficult challenge of keeping his dynamics spot on at all times in relation to the orchestra. His registrations were creative and colorful, particularly in the quieter moments of the second movement.”—Florida Times-Union
The content below derives from the Northrop Across Campus Program that supports Northrop's mission towards intersections between performing arts and education for the benefit of all participants now and for generations to come.
Find ways to make thematic connections to these suggested topics:
Music - Classical and Jazz, Pipe Organ, Latinx Studies, Tango, Afro-Cuban
These resources provide additional information about the performers, the history of the art form and the artistic process, allowing you to dive deeper.
Links:
Greg Zelek Cuban Concert Article
Madison Symphony: Greg Zelek website
Start a conversation about the performance or encourage reflection, using these questions as inspiration.
Praised as “extraordinary in the classical music world” (Jon Hornbacher, PBS Wisconsin Life) and a “musical star” (Bill Wineke, Channel 3000), Greg Zelek will step into his role as the first Northrop Organist this fall, curating Northrop’s organ program and building bridges between Northrop, students, faculty, guest artists, and community. Zelek is also the principal organist with the Madison Symphony Orchestra, overseeing all of MSO’s organ programming.
Northrop's renowned Aeolian-Skinner organ was built from 1932 to 1936. It has four keyboards, nearly 7000 pipes, and is over 40 feet tall, making it the third largest concert hall organ in the U.S. It takes great care to maintain and recently underwent a $3.2 million restoration. Zelek’s position will advise in preserving this breathing instrument of history, while showcasing its versatility in unique programs.
