At the Electronic Music Education and Preservation Project (EMEAPP), we were proud to launch our yearlong ARP centennial celebration with ARP@100, a landmark event honoring the 100th anniversary of ARP Instruments and the extraordinary legacy of its founder, Alan R. Pearlman.
As an engineer and visionary, Pearlman shaped the sound of an era. His company’s creations—the ARP 2600, Odyssey, Pro Soloist, Quadra, and more—defined the tone and texture of modern music. Artists such as Stevie Wonder, Pete Townshend, Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul, and Tony Banks relied on these instruments to bring new sonic possibilities to life. ARP synthesizers bridged the worlds of technology and artistry, taking electronic sound from the laboratory to the stage and studio.
For ARP@100, we brought together an extraordinary collection of original ARP instruments, rare prototypes, archival materials, and artist-used gear from our vaults to tell the story of this groundbreaking company. The evening included guest speakers, panel discussions, live performances, and interactive exhibits—all celebrating Pearlman’s spirit of innovation that continues to echo through the music world today.
More than sixty guests joined us for this special event. Highlights included a live interview with Dina Pearlman, Alan R. Pearlman’s daughter and Executive Director of the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation, who shared her father’s enduring vision for music and technology. We also heard a fascinating presentation from Bruce McLendon, a former ARP employee, who offered rare insights and personal stories from his time at the company.
The night’s performances were equally inspiring. Ombient, Robin Hatch, and electronic music pioneer Don Slepian each took the stage, performing entirely on authentic vintage ARP instruments from EMEAPP’s renowned collection. Hearing these instruments played live—just as they were meant to be—was both nostalgic and electrifying.
ARP@100 was more than just a celebration of history; it was the beginning of an ongoing tribute to ARP’s impact on music, engineering, and creativity. Over the coming year, we’ll continue the centennial with additional programs, exhibits, videos, lectures, and performances, all exploring the many ways ARP’s pioneering designs continue to inspire musicians and instrument builders in the 21st century.
For us at EMEAPP, ARP@100 was a reminder of why we do what we do—preserving the past to inspire the future of electronic music.
To learn more about Alan R. Pearlman’s life and work, visit the website of the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation.
To experience more performances that feature EMEAPP’s amazing ARP collection, click on the links below:
- DON SLEPIAN on our ARP 2500 modular, ARP QUADRA & dual ARP 2600s (50 yrs of ARP)
- DON SLEPIAN, on the EMEAPP ARP 2500, ARP Quadra and dual ARP 2600s #1
- DON SLEPIAN on the EMEAPP ARP 2500 ARP Quadra and dual ARP 2600s #2
- ARP 2500: LIVE!@EMEAPP Feat. OMBIENT
- ARP 2500 ÉLIANE RADIGUE TRIBUTE: Live!@ EMEAPP Feat. OMBIENT
- ARP 2500 modular synth performance (50 years of ARP), feat. VINCE PUPILLO Jr.
- ARP 2500 MELODIC PERFORMANCE FEAT. VINCE PUPILLO JR.
Or for a deep dive into the workings of our ARP Odyssey and Pro Soloist, check out these Sonic Test Drive videos:
- ARP ODYSSEY MK I Feat. DON SLEPIAN (PART 1)
- ARP ODYSSEY MK I Feat. DON SLEPIAN (PART 2)
- ARP PRO-SOLOIST Feat. DON SLEPIAN
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