Noon Concert - Peter Richard Conte

Peter Richard Conte’s nearly-unparalleled technical facility, brilliant ear for lush tonal color, and innovative programming style have made him one of the most sought-after “orchestral” organists of this era. In 1989, he was appointed Wanamaker Grand Court Organist at what is now the Macy’s Department Store in downtown Philadelphia—the fourth person to hold that title since the organ first played in 1911. He performs a majority of twice daily recitals on the largest (29,000+ pipes) fully-functioning musical instrument in the world. Mr. Conte is also Principal Organist of Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA, Organist/Choirmaster of St. Clement’s Church, Philadelphia, a frequent collaborator and soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Philly Pops.

Mr. Conte is highly regarded as a mind-bogglingly masterful performer and arranger of organ transcriptions. He has been regularly featured on National Public Radio, and on ABC television's “Good Morning America”, and “World News Tonight.” For 13 years he was heard on “The Wanamaker Organ Hour” radio show on the internet at WRTI.ORG. He has been a featured artist at several American Guild of Organists’ national and regional conventions, and has performed as soloist with numerous orchestras across the U.S.

Peter Richard Conte has served as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Organ at Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ, where he taught Organ Improvisation. He is the 2008 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Indiana University School of Music, Bloomington. In 2013, the Philadelphia Music Alliance honored him with a bronze plaque on the Avenue of the Arts’ Walk of Fame. His numerous recordings appear on the Gothic, JAV, Pro Organo, Dorian, Raven, and DTR labels. His most recent solo CD, Virgil Fox Remembered, was released in May 2016 on the Raven label. Peter Richard Conte is represented exclusively in North America by Phillip Truckenbrod Concert Artists, LLC.