ESTMIM presents a screening of the silent horror film classic "The Phantom of The Opera"

Save the Date!

The Empire State Theatre & Musical Instrument Museum is finally back in operation with its first program in nearly 2 years with the screening of the 1925 silent horror film "The Phantom Of The Opera" starring Lon Chaney, Mary Philbin and Norman Kerry. This adaptation of Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel Le Fantôme de l'Opéra, directed by Rupert Julian and starring Lon Chaney in the title role of a deformed Phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House, causing murder and mayhem in an attempt to make the woman he loves an opera star. This film remains most famous for Chaney's ghastly, self-devised make-up, which has frightened audiences for 98 years.

Theatre organist and film accompanist David Peckham will be back in the Empire Theatre of which his parents were proud museum members for many years. David is no stranger to our Wurlitzer Unit Orchestra having performed many programs throughout the years. His family business; L.A. Peckham Pipe Organ Service has been servicing pipe organs all around upstate New York and beyond.

A gentleman of multiple musical talents, David has been touring nationally and internationally as a theatre organist since 1980 and has performed at many of the finest theatre organs worldwide. Peckham’s classical training at the Rochester Eastman School of Music has allowed him to pursue more traditional organ venues as well.

David will be providing historically accurate live musical accompaniment of the silent film on our circa 1925 Mighty Wurlitzer Unit Orchestra pipe organ; the same way the film was meant to be enjoyed when it was first released in 1925. Come out Sunday afternoon, October 29 at 3:00 for a recreation of a fun and frightful time at the movies!

There will be a short reception with the artist and guided educational tours of the Wurlitzer Unit Orchestra pipe organ chambers following the program.

General Admission Tickets: Adults $15, Children 16 and under $5 (cash only)

PLEASE NOTE: Our October silent film programs are historically popular, so arriving early will guarantee best seats. Doors open at 2:30pm. All seating non-reserved general admission.