Rob Richards has gained worldwide celebrity as a concert and recording artist, and is the House Organist at Disney's historic El Capitan theatre in Hollywood.
In addition to his international concert schedule, he has performed an astonishing four thousand performances at the El Capitan since 1999, playing the legendary Wurlitzer pipe organ originally installed in San Francisco’s Fox Theatre. His combination of technical facility, showmanship and personality has won him fans across America and around the world. Richards was named 2005 Organist of the Year" by the American Theatre Organ Society, coinciding with his thirtieth year of concerts and the Society's 50th anniversary.
Variety wrote that Richards’ performance at the El Capitan Wurlitzer is “a special added treat.” Disney legends (Academy award-winning songwriters) the Sherman Brothers proclaimed Richards a “supercalifragilistic talent!” Film critic Leonard Maltin enthused that Rob plays with "musical flair...skill and showmanship." Rob has performed for many of Hollywood's most famous celebrities, and shared the stage at events with Julie Andrews and Elton John! Richards has appeared on numerous national TV programs. The documentary "The Souls of Los Angeles" celebrated him as an Angelino with a very unusual occupation! And in 2005, he appeared on ABC-TV's "The View" playing the El Capitan pipe organ.
El Capitan theater.
In addition to his El Capitan schedule and concert tours, Richards' design expertise has led to numerous collaborations on pipe, digital and combination instruments. As part of his long-term relationship with the Walker Technical Company (builders of state-of-the-art custom digital instruments) he has been involved with instrument design, marketing and public relations, as well as concerts and recordings. The Richards/Walker collaboration includes the creation of Richards' own five-manual digital theatre organ. Richards' original design includes many innovative features, and is the equivalent of 7000 pipes. It is the largest instrument of its kind in the world.
Doors - 2:00 PM
Concert - 3:00 PM
Tickets - $17
The Senate Theater, home of the Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
