St. Matthew Lutheran                                           Combines Tradition with Technology St. Matthew Lutheran Church, nestled in the Museum District, just celebrated its 75th birthday last year.  Continuing with a comprehensive outreach program to the local community and the city, the church has recently installed a tower carillon system and begun an organ enhancement project about a year ago. Director of Music and Organist, C. Anthony Pessarra, has worked for the past 3 years to bring to St. Matthew, authentic bell sounds and the new organ. His vision of bringing this gem of a musical instrument to the beautiful setting of St. Matthew’s sanctuary has been realized.      The decision was made to retain the pipes from the 35 stop Schantz organ and blend it with the new Allen Heritage Renaissance organ.  The Allen pipe/digital organ bridges both organ technologies and culminates in an organ with all the resources of a 110 rank pipe organ plus the advantages brought by cutting edge digital technology. The console is appointed with natural wood sharps and wood inlay stop panels with scripted nomenclature on the draw knobs.  The tonal specification is French Romantic, allowing the organ to realize the tonal palette of the famous historic Caville-Coll organs of France.  A separate string division and antiphonal solo division above the Altar, allows the organ to provide spectacular sound from whisper quiet celests to the brilliance of a high-pressure solo trumpet. Coupled with these features are digital recording, midi, piston sequencer, performance recording and an onboard console controller.  Proprietary software and a device called “Sebastianâ€� allows PDA convenience in using the digital output of the organ for purposes of music writing, recording and a variety of almost endless possibilities for musical innovation. The dedication concert is May 9th at 4:00 pm, 5315 Main St.  This concert is free.  There is a reception after the program for the artist, Carlo Curley.   Carlo is an international concert artist and brings to the organ the flair and musicianship for which he is so well known and admired as the â €œPavarotti of the Organâ€�.   In addition to services, the organ will be used for recitals, master classes, choral and organ workshops and limited organ instruction.  Event planning is in process.  Organists of all ages and abilities are invited to visit the church and explore the organ. Visitors to date have all been elated with the authenticity and versatility of the instrument. The new organ at St. Matthew will mark the first installation of an Allen Heritage Renaissance pipe- digital custom organ in Houston. For additional information call 281-488-2055 or visit www. stmatthewhouston.org. C. Anthony Pessarra, Dir.Mus/Organist