Illumination – A Haunted Concert by Candlelight Rahway

Some instruments hold history in their pipes. UCPAC's Wurlitzer organ, built in 1928, is one of them. On Sunday, October 4, organist Ian Fraser will bring that history to life by playing Halloween inspired pieces on the instrument during Illumination, a haunted concert by candlelight at UCPAC's Main Stage in Rahway.

Fraser developed a passion for organs at age two after hearing a carousel band organ. By 16, he was drawn to theatre organs after watching a silent film with live organ accompaniment. He taught himself to play by ear in just a few years. Now he performs at theatres across New Jersey and Pennsylvania and won first place in the American Theatre Organ Society's 2023 Young Theatre Organist Competition. During Illumination, he will share his technical knowledge of the Wurlitzer and the stories behind the songs he has chosen for this special evening.

The Biggest Little Wurlitzer earns its nickname from its enormous sound compared to its small size. It has 500 individual pipes and percussive elements that simulate the sounds of a full orchestra. The organ sits in UCPAC's Main Stage theater, where it was acoustically designed nearly a century ago. It remains one of the few theatre pipe organs in New Jersey still playing in its original home, making this concert a rare chance to hear the instrument as it was meant to be heard.

This evening is designed for music lovers, history buffs, and anyone drawn to beautiful spooky atmospheres. Doors open at 1 PM, and the show runs from 2 PM to 3:30 PM. The cost is 20 dollars per ticket. If you use promo code NJEDA at checkout, you get 50 percent off. You can buy tickets through UCPAC at ucpac.vbotickets.com or by calling the box office at 732-499-8226. Box office hours are Tuesday-Wednesday 12 PM to 6 PM, Thursday-Friday 12 PM to 7 PM, and Saturday 12 PM to 6 PM.

Find more Rahway concerts, arts events, and fall happenings on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Union County Performing Arts Center

FAQ:

Q: Who is Ian Fraser and why is he performing at this concert?
A: Ian Fraser is a renowned organist and first-place winner of the American Theatre Organ Society's 2023 Young Theatre Organist Competition. He is the house organist at UCPAC and several other theatres in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. During Illumination, he will play Halloween inspired pieces and share the history of the Wurlitzer organ and each song.

Q: What is the Wurlitzer organ at UCPAC and why is it special?
A: UCPAC's Wurlitzer is a 1928 pipe organ with 500 individual pipes and is nicknamed the "Biggest Little Wurlitzer" for its large sound in a small space. It is listed on the National Registry of Significant Instruments and is one of the few theatre pipe organs in New Jersey still playing in its original venue where it was acoustically designed.

Q: When is Illumination and what time should I arrive?
A: Illumination is on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Doors open at 1 PM and the show runs from 2 PM to 3:30 PM at UCPAC's Main Stage in Rahway. You should arrive early to find seating.

Q: How much are tickets and is there a discount?
A: Tickets are 20 dollars each. Use promo code NJEDA at checkout to get 50 percent off. You can buy tickets at ucpac.vbotickets.com or call the box office at 732-499-8226.

Q: Where is UCPAC and how do I get there?
A: UCPAC's Main Stage is located at 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ 07065. Parking is available at the venue. For directions or more information about Rahway arts events, visit Union County Life or call 732-499-8226.