Kennedy Center Plans Concerts for New Pipe Organ

The Kennedy Center is announcing its first full season of programs for its large new pipe organ that made its debut late last year.

The Rubenstein Family Organ will be featured in a three-concert recital series in 2013 and 2014, as well as organ postludes following National Symphony Orchestra concerts. There will also be three free Millennium Stage performances featuring the organ.

The programming slate announced Wednesday includes notable performers. Cameron Carpenter, the first organist ever nominated for a Grammy for a solo album, will perform Oct. 16. In February 2014, Paul Jacobs will give a recital. He was the first organist to win a Grammy for best instrumental soloist in 2010.

The organ has nearly 5,000 pipes. It replaced a 40-year-old instrument that sometimes let out loud, unexpected noises.