ROCHESTER — Those who attended the holiday concert at the Rochester Historical Society Museum were treated to an hour of Christmas music played masterfully by organist Bruce Gardzina as he brought the mid-1800's organ to life.

In addition to playing, Gardzina explained some of the steps needed to play the relatively rare organ and also made adjustments for some of the old reeds that were damaged or missing.

The Historical Society has had some basic repairs done and would love to be able to bring it back to its previous glory.

A vocalion organ is a form of a reed organ, but it produces the music somewhat differently. The sales material that accompanied the organ when it was donated to the Church in the late 1800's explains that in this type of instrument the reeds vibrate in the same way as the human throat and that when the organ is played it mimics a chorus of singers.

After the concert, everyone adjourned downstairs for mulled cider, a variety of desserts and good conversation. The attendees brought enough unwrapped gifts to brighten many children's holidays.