An amazing new organ is coming to the Castro Theatre

The Castro Symphonic Theatre Organ

A MESSAGE FROM CASTRO ORGANIST DAVID HEGARTY

When I realized we were facing the loss of the wonderful Castro Wurlitzer that I had played for over 30 years, I established a non-profit foundation—CODA—for the purpose of preserving this San Francisco tradition and expanding the instrument into a groundbreaking cultural and educational focal point for the City and for the distinctive Castro District. [READ MORE]

Preserving a long tradition of live organ music at the Castro Theatre

The Wurlitzer organ, on loan to the theatre since the early 1980s, was removed from the theatre in 2015. An Allen Theatre III was used as an interim organ until the theatre closed for renovations in February 2024. When the theatre reopens in the summer of 2025, we will premiere an impressive custom-designed organ that will faithfully preserve the musical tradition of the Castro Wurlitzer and significantly expand it with 21st-century technology.

 

This will be the world’s largest and most versatile digital organ,

with seven keyboards and over 800 stops. It will retain the familiar Wurlitzer sound using the finest digitally sampled organ and orchestral sounds to create an instrument of unparalleled capability. [READ MORE]



We are so grateful to those of you who have supported us. Please visit our Donate page if you would like to support our upcoming concert program, to begin as soon as the organ is installed. CODA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Your contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.