One of only seven instruments of its kind still being operated in its original theatre home, the Virginia’s Wurlitzer Hope Jones Orchestral Theatre Organ was performed on at the theatre’s 1921 grand opening by house organist George May.
In the 1960s, the Virginia’s 750-pipe Wurlitzer was initially restored by University of Illinois student (and future author of the “Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ”) David Junchen.
In the 1980s, local organist Warren York began his own volunteer restoration of the historic instrument as he launched a renowned twenty-year tenure as Virginia Theatre house organist.
In 2012, a total restoration of the theatre’s Wurlitzer was completed by John-Paul Buzard Pipe Organ Builders of Champaign after area resident Jill Knappenberger launched the year-long project with a generous gift in memory of her husband, local attorney Gaylord Knappenberger.
Today, house organist Kipp Cortez continues the proud tradition of providing pre-show performances on the Virginia’s mighty Wurlitzer!
Originally from the Chicago suburb of La Grange Park, Champaign resident Kipp Cortez carries on a legacy began by the likes of Warren York and David Schroeder in playing great organ music at the Virginia Theatre. The organ has been at the heart of his two-and-a-half decade career, which has included work as church organist, university professor, organ builder, and now, theatre organist.
Kipp took degrees in organ and sacred music at Valparaiso University (Bachelor of Music) and the University of Michigan (Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts). He also studied the harpsichord and carillon. He studies the theatre organ with Justin Stahl in the Indianapolis Metropolitan area. In 2016, he was named one of “20 Under 30” by The Diapason magazine.
Since 2021, Kipp has worked in the service department at Buzard Pipe Organ Builders. In this capacity, he has personally tuned and serviced the Wurlitzer/Hope-Jones organ at the Virginia. He also serves as the Assistant Organist at the Chapel of Saint John the Divine in Champaign where he plays the 1991 Buzard Opus 7 organ.
