''Pipedreams'' is a radio music program produced and distributed by
American Public Media
American Public Media (APM) is an American company that produces and distributes public radio programs in the United States, the second largest company of its type after NPR. Its non-profit parent, American Public Media Group, also owns and o ...
(APM) based in
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Saint Paul (abbreviated St. Paul) is the capital of the U.S. state of Minnesota and the county seat of Ramsey County. Situated on high bluffs overlooking a bend in the Mississippi River, Saint Paul is a regional business hub and the center ...
, created and hosted since its inception by
J. Michael Barone.
History
Each one or two-hour show features
organ music
The organ repertoire is considered to be the largest and oldest repertory of all musical instruments. Because of the organ's (or pipe organ's) prominence in worship in Western Europe from the Middle Ages on, a significant portion of organ repert ...
, and centers on a theme such as a particular instrument, venue, organ builder, performer, composer, period, etc. The program has been in weekly national broadcast syndication since 1983 (following pilot episodes in 1982), and it remains the only nationally syndicated radio program in the United States devoted to organ music. The program is available on APM-affiliated stations and on the ''Pipedreams.org'' website.
In recent years, ''Pipedreams weekly radio audience has fluctuated around 200,000 listeners.
[ The program's major sponsors include the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America. In addition to the radio program itself, ''Pipedreams'' is also known for producing guided tours, often to Europe with the objective of visiting organs of unique quality or interest. Recordings of these notable instruments are frequently featured in the broadcasts of ''Pipedreams''.
]
Accolades
The program's major accolades include the 2001 Deems Taylor
Joseph Deems Taylor (December 22, 1885 – July 3, 1966) was an American music critic, composer, and promoter of classical music. Nat Benchley, co-editor of ''The Lost Algonquin Roundtable'', referred to him as "the dean of American music."
Earl ...
Radio Broadcast Award for Excellence from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
In popular culture
The program was referenced on Episode 116 ('' Santa Claus'') of the cult TV series '' Mystery Science Theater 3000'' in 1993.MST3K: Santa Claus - It's Liberace Santa on the show's official YouTube channel
/ref>
References
External links
''Pipedreams.org'' official website
{{American Public Media, state=collapsed
American classical music radio programs
American Public Media programs
Pipe organ
1982 radio programme debuts