Classical organ music resides in the world...

Classical organ music resides in the world of the large cathedral or church, or the huge concert hall. Only these venues and institutions can afford to build, and maintain, the “king of all the instruments,” as 14th-Century composer Guillaume de Machaut called the bellowing pipe creation.

With their rows of keyboards, pipes and pedals, the instruments replicate the tonal spectrum of a complete orchestra. Under the accomplished hands and feet of a skilled musician, the organ blossoms and swells to claim its historical and contemporary place in music.

This specialized world of classical music and one of its premier musicians will be presented today at Lake Avenue Congregational Church in Pasadena.

Organist Dan Miller will play a selection designed to show off his skills and the capabilities of the Pasadena church’s instrument.

The works include Partita on “Saint Anne” by Paul Manz, the “William Tell Overture” by Antonio Rossini, and Fantasy and Fugue on “How Brightly Shines the Morning Star” by Max Reger, a leading Romantic composer for the organ.

The 38-year-old Miller, who has been studying since age 15 and is the full-time organist at Calvary Church in Charlotte, N.C., is on the edge of gaining an international reputation, said David Dalkey, organist at the Lake Avenue church.

The church’s pipe organ enjoys a reputation as one of the largest and best in the United States. Built from 1986 to 1988 by Casavant Organ Co. in Quebec, Canada, the $1-million organ was installed at the 6,000-seat church in 1989. Its 7,072 pipes vary in size from 36 feet tall and four feet wide to the diameter of a pencil. Poplar and other woods, copper, brass, zinc and lead were used to make individual pipes, Dalkey said.

The concert is part of a church series to provide “cultural and spiritual enlightenment and enjoyment to our congregation and the community,” Dalkey said.

The performance begins at 6 p.m. at 393 N. Lake Ave. There is no admission charge, but an offering will be taken.