25 Years of Pipescreams – History in Multimedia

Pipescreams Through the Years

Click the respective links to delve into our digital history and watch us age too!

CONCERT PROGRAMS – the pieces performed, all performers, singers, musicians for each concert
2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 (Virtual Concert – no program), 2020 (Covid), 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002

YOUTUBE VIDEO PLAYLISTS – click the respective link for the full playlist from each concert (when available after 2010)
2025 (no video), 2024, 2023, 2022 (no video), 2021, 2020 (Covid), 2019 (no video), 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011. The GBAGO YouTube Channel – all chapter events.

PHOTO GALLERIES – click the respective link for photo albums of performers, audience, wonderful receptions (when available)
2025, 2024 (no photos), 2023, 2022, 2021 (Virtual Concert), 2020 (Covid), 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003

CT POST MEDIA COVERAGE – click here for years of articles by Phyllis A.S. Boros, retired Arts Writer, CT Post Publishing

 

Pipescreams Special Highlights

 

You, the audience quickly helped with programming of annual Pipescreams concerts and clamored for many repeated performances – click the respective link to view:

Dr. John Michniewicz starting each program with the Toccata and Fugue in D Minor – J.S. Bach,(2015) at the mighty pipe organ illustrating the skills required to play with hands and feet.

Dr. Joe Utterback – Bourbon Street Swagger (2012) performing a dreamy improvisation on a Broadway tune followed by a New Orleans Blues jazz piece at startling speed at the grand piano.

David Harris – 1920’s Silent Film Yes, Yes Nanette (2015) accompanying this comedy film with original improvisation just as done in movie houses across America at that time

Rev. Sara Smith in the role of the Wicked Witch of the West from the Wizard of Oz (2015).

Sacred Heart University (SHU) L.O.V.E (Ladies Only Vocal Ensemble) – I Am The Sun and The Dawn and The Sky – Celtic Women (2013).

University of Bridgeport Chamber Singers – Chorus of Witches and Spirits (2016)

University Singers of the University of Bridgeport – This is Me (2018).

The Norma Pfriem Children’s Choir – Little Shop of Horrors (2015).

Sacred Heart University 4-Heart Harmony – Twilight Zone (2012).

The Fairfield County Children’s Choir – Tottoyo (2012).

Sacred Heart University SHUperman – Men’s Ensemble – Billie Jean Poison (2014).

University Singers of the University of Bridgeport – Time Warp Rock Horror (2013).

The Massed Choir – All Ensembles – Phantom of the Opera (2015).

Krista Santilli Adams as soloist accompanied by Darwin Chen, violin and friends – Bohemian Rhapsody (2016)

Cidalia Kettles as soloist – Unfortunate Souls (2018)

Pianist Tom Cuffari – Tarantella – Liszt (2017)

Duet Lauren Lichac, Greg Chase – Point of No Return – Phantom (2015)

Annual Best Costume Competition and March (2011)

Allison Fay – Glitter and be Gay (2009) – vintage camera video, pre YouTube (hard to believe with today’s technology – sorry Allison)

History of Pipescreams

The year was 2002, a small team of Greater Bridgeport American Guild of Organists members decided that our congregations should have the opportunity of hearing the pipe organ and piano we use in weekly religious services in a very different way. The concert was labeled “You Won’t Hear That on Sunday Morning”. With Halloween as the backdrop, the program included a wide variety of Broadway, Jazz, and Classical music to showcase the organ as a solo and accompaniment instrument. Added to the thrilling performances, accompanied a 1920’s Laurel and Hardy Silent film, that brought back memories of a bygone era where pipe organs were installed in every movie house. Suffice to say our audience members loved every moment. Pipescreams was born!

Pipescreams Today

Now in its 25^th Annual Season, this musical extravaganza of extremely talented area performers inspires audiences of all ages. Our success is largely attributed to the extensive talent of our organists, choral ensembles, university, children choirs, and orchestral musicians asked to share their talents for the education and enjoyment of all. We are thankful to thousands of attendees that have joined to cheer on performers and participate in best costume competitions. All net proceeds from these concerts benefits the M. Louise Miller – Paul E. Knox Scholarship funds that support university level organ students.

Special Thanks

Pipescreams is generously supported by area musical groups, churches, and advertisers:

• Greater Bridgeport Symphony
• Fairfield County Chorale
• Fairfield County Children’s Choir
• Connecticut Chamber Choir
• Rose Window Concert Series – First Church Congregational Stratford
• Music Concert Series – First Congregational Church Fairfield
• Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut
• United Congregational Church, Bridgeport

It is nearly impossible to thank the dozens of volunteers that helped with the endless logistics required for concerts of this complexity. In addition to our performers and singers we thank Paul Butkus (professional CDs), Frank Falanga (years of video recording), Mike Karpilow and Sandy Zera (years of photography), Pascale Millien-Faustin (years of program publishing), Costume March leaders Mimi Eppig/Cathy Tuttle and concert setup and reception crews at United Congregational Church, First Church Congregational Stratford, and now First Congregational Church Fairfield.

 

Digital Archives

Digital photos were only widely available after 2000; videos after 2010. We do have professionally recorded CDs from the original concerts (2002-2010) prior to YouTube playlists. Contact john.polo@charter.net for questions on any Pipescreams digital assets or for those .mp4s.