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RI Chapter American Guild of Organists presents Organ Plus Concert
The Rhode Island chapter of the American Guild of Organists will present a concert entitled ORGAN-PLUS at Trinity Episcopal Church, 139 Ocean Avenue, Cranston, on Sunday March 2nd, at 4:00 pm. The concert features area organists, instrumentalists, and singers performing repertoire that features the organ as an accompanying instrument. For centuries, the organ has had two important roles, as a liturgical instrument heard in church services, and as a solo concert instrument. This concert will feature the organ in yet another role that is related to both of its primary functions, that of an accompanying instrument. Both student and professional instrumentalists from the area (including flute, cello, oboe and trumpet) will present music for the church’s Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter seasons based on hymn tunes and chants, many of which will be familiar to audience members. Student and professional soprano and tenor singers will present sacred songs and an oratorio aria. Chapter members John Brooks, Stephen Martorella, and Trinity Church’s host organist Michael Kelly will be at the organ.
The organ at Trinity Church was built by the Schantz Organ Company of Orrville, Ohio, one of the leading pipe organ builders in the country, founded in 1873. Installed in 1999 after a fire that largely destroyed the previous organ, it is designed principally to lead the liturgy in hymns, accompaniment of choral anthems, and solo pieces that act as prelude and postlude. Its bright, “singing” tone and range of sounds (from the quiet, string-toned stops and bubbly flutes to a plangent Oboe stop and bright trumpets), make it an ideal accompanying instrument, with a range of tonal colors that belie its relatively small size. This concert is in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the organ’s installation.
The American Guild of Organists is the largest and most active organization devoted to the advancement, education and encouragement of all church musicians both amateur and professional, and all those interested in the organ, its history, and its role in both sacred and secular settings. The AGO has chapters in every state and internationally.
Following the concert, performers and audience members are invited to a reception in the church hall. For further information, please call the church at 401-941-4324 or visit www.trinitycranston.org, and on Facebook @trinitypawtuxet.
Event Links
Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/2909562-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2909562-2
