Organ matters - Organs matter!

Appeals => Fundraising for an Organ => Topic started by: KB7DQH on May 06, 2012, 10:15:53 PM

Title: Concerts will raise funds to restore Ramsbury 200-year-old organ
Post by: KB7DQH on May 06, 2012, 10:15:53 PM
http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/9680788.Concerts_will_raise_funds_to_restore_Ramsbury_200_year_old_organ/

QuoteA 12-HOUR music marathon is among the events being planned to raise £120,000 to renovate the 200 year old organ in Holy Cross Church in Ramsbury.

The parish church's pipe organ was last restored in 1981 and Frances Lofthouse, one of its organists who is helping to organise the appeal, said: "It has provided wonderful music over the years but is in need of some TLC."

A series of four fundraising concerts featuring a wide variety of instrumental and sung music is planned, together with the 12-hour event in June when a team of organists will take it in turns to play.

Mrs Lofthouse said £21,000 had already been raised from a series of anonymous gift-aided donations, including one for £10,000.

The first concert is on Monday, May 14, at 7.30pm. The Lyra Ensemble from St Petersburg, which has made several past appearances in the church, will give a recital of Russian music.

The organ appeal will be officially launched on Saturday, June 9, 7.30pm, with a Diamond jubilee themed recital by Ian Crabbe of Marlborough College with the Bella Voce Choir.

On September 15, organist Dr Christopher Kent will play with a cellist and oboist, and on October 13 the Avebury Vocal Ensemble will sing, conducted by Sir Peter Beale.

The music marathon will be on Saturday, July 14, from 7am-7pm when it is hoped a team of 12 organists will spend an hour each at the keyboard.

Tickets for the concerts are available from Ramsbury Post Office or Midway stores and more details of the organ appeal can be obtained from Mrs Lofthouse on (01488) 682921 or Carol Howard on (01672) 520783.

Eric
KB7DQH