Organ To Accompany Classic Horror Movie Screening At Aurora Church

AURORA, IL — Our Savior Lutheran Church will screen a famous 1922 horror film ahead of Halloween — with an organ accompaniment.

Church organist Ryan Russell will perform during a showing of "Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror" at 6 p.m. Oct. 19 at the church, 420 W. Downer Place.

"Nosferatu," a 90-minute black-and-white German vampire film, was an unauthorized film adaptation of Bram Stoker's 1897 "Dracula." It has since become regarded as an influential masterpiece of both cinema and the horror genre.

To be shown with English subtitles, the film is set in 1838 in the fictitious German town of Wisburg. The story follows Thomas Hutter, who is sent by his employer — the eccentric real estate agent Herr Knock — to visit a new client, Count Orlok, who plans to purchase a house across from Hutter's residence.

"I'm looking forward to revamping Our Savior's music program and continuing to bring musical excellence and experiences to the Aurora community," Russell said, per a news release.

Russell, a native of Arkansas, studied vocal and instrumental music at Southern Arkansas University and began his career in church music ministry in 2009 in Arkansas. In 2023, he began directing choirs and worship groups at Rockford United Methodist Church and Rock Valley Community College before recently joining the Aurora church.

Admission to and parking for the event are free. Concessions will be available for purchase, and donations will be accepted.