EsteyFest24 presents F.W. Murnau’s cult classic as it was first heard by audiences in the 1920’s. Boston’s acclaimed 10-piece Arpeggione ensemble performs a reconstruction of composer Hans Erdmann’s original score on instruments of the period, including a 1925 harmonium by Estey of Brattleboro. Doors open at 7pm, the film and performance begin at 7:30.

Boston’s acclaimed Arpeggione Ensemble re-creates the original accompaniment to F.W. Murnau’s 1922 cult classic silent film, Nosferatu. Because the original musical score was lost within a decade of its premier, the film Nosferatu – the first adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” story – is typically presented with improvised accompaniment on a piano or organ, or with one of several later-composed orchestral scores. That is, until now… The basis for Arpeggione’s rendition is a reconstruction of composer Hans Erdmann’s original score, imbued with recent scholarship regarding its intended instrumentation. The 10-piece ensemble performs on instruments of the period, including a 1925 harmonium by Estey of Brattleboro, to present Nosferatu’s “Symphony of Horrors” as it was first heard by audiences in the 1920’s.

EsteyFest24 is a five-day festival of exhibits, presentations, and concerts taking place in Brattleboro, VT September 26-30, 2024. The festival is a special collaboration of the Estey Organ Museum, International Reed Organ Society, and Brattleboro Historical Society.

Central to the festival are special open times for the public to visit the Estey Museum and Brattleboro Historical Society, and four public concerts being given at Epsilon Spires on Sept. 28th and 29th, all featuring Estey Organs played by virtuoso performers from across North America. EsteyFest24 is also the biennial gathering of the International Reed Organ Society, who in collaboration with Brattleboro partners, will host numerous lectures, workshops, and field trips for pre registered participants. More information at esteyorganmuseum.org (deadline for full registration Aug. 26.)