Mules and Melodies: The Erie Canal's Impact on Music Commerce and Culture in Upstate New York

About This Event

Laurence Libin will discuss how the canal helped spread piano culture, Anne Laver will talk about the canal's impact on regional organ building, and Will Fraser will share clips from a new documentary film, The Organ in America. After the lectures, members of the Syracuse chapter of the American Guild of Organists will show attendees how to build a model organ. Lunch will be provided.

Featured Guests

Laurence Libin, former curator of musical instruments, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Will Fraser, filmmaker and founder, Fugue State Films

Co-sponsors

Syracuse Chapter, American Guild of Organists
Erie Canal Museum

Feb. 28, 2026, noon to 2 p.m.

Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY (and on Zoom)

MP18: Art, Music and History of the Organ

Audience: Open to the Public

Host: Syracuse University

Category: Lecture

RSVP by Feb. 25, 2026