“Compelling, moving, magnificent, revelatory, bold, imaginative, and amazingly accurate.” Just some of the adjectives used to describe one of today's most distinguished and versatile keyboard artists: Peter Sykes. He's Associate Professor of Music and Chair of the Historical Performance Department at Boston University, Director of Music at First Church in Cambridge, Congregational, and his bestselling recording of  Holst's orchestral suite The Planets (his own transcription) was named “Best of 1996” by Audio Review. Next weekend he'll be part of a dual celebration/recital: the 300th birthday of Carl Phillip Emanuel Bach,  and the 10th anniversary of one of the Triad's most celebrated instruments: The 1800 David Tannenberg Organ at Old Salem. The largest surviving example of his work was meticulously restored in 2004.

David Ford spoke with award-winning organist and recording artist Peter Sykes. On Friday, March 14th at 7:30 PM he'll perform a recital of CPE and JS Bach, Dan Locklair and more in the James A. Gray, Jr. Auditorium in the Old Salem Visitor's Center. It's CPE's 300th birthday, the David Tannenberg Organ at Old Salem (originally built for Home Moravian Church in 1800) celebrates its 10th year post-restoration, and there'll be a reception with Peter after the concert. 

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