Free Historic Alley Organ Concert September 15
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Organist_Brian_JonesMARK YOUR CALENDAR

More than two years ago the Alley Organ at the First Religious Society in Newburyport was very carefully disassembled. Each part was labeled and transported to Vermont.  Organ builder David Moore of Woodstock has painstakingly replaced old parts of the organ, hand-crafted others, and has restored this historic organ to its prior glory.  A celebratory concert will be held September 15 and the public is invited. (See details and photo below)

In 1834 Joseph Alley was charged with building and installing a truly fine instrument for the church, and he did so.  This organ is historic in that there are very few Alley organs left, and subsequent work done on the instrument by George Hutchings in 1889 expanded its voice without destroying its history.

The rebuilding of this historic pipe organ is now almost complete, and the church is planning a celebration. Join them for a rededication recital on Saturday, September 15, at 4:00 p.m. This free recital will be played by concert organist Brian Jones, one of America’s most highly regarded church musicians.  Mr. Jones is Emeritus Director of Music and Organist at Trinity Church, Copley Square, Boston, where he directed a widely acclaimed program from 1984 to 2004. He has since served in three interim positions: Director of Cathedral Music at the Cathedral of St John, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Director of Music at Old South Church in Boston; and Associate Organist of the Memorial Church at Harvard University.

 

Restored_Alley_Organ_Newburyport


Mr. Jones has performed as an organ concert artist in many parts of the United States and England, and his programs have often been praised for their variety and interest, as well as for the artistic and communicative integrity he brings to the music of the King of Instruments. He has been heard in such venues as the National Cathedral, Washington, DC; Grace Cathedral, San Francisco; St. Paul's Cathedral, London; St. Thomas Church, New York City; and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Portland, Oregon. And in the 1960s, he performed here at the First Religious Society, at the invitation of the church’s new music director, Barbara Owen.

Mr. Jones has been a tireless advocate for the organ and its music and has performed innumerable demonstrations for listeners of all ages, incorporating music of all periods and styles into his programs. He has played countless dedication recitals of new and rebuilt organs, and he has been praised for his ability to communicate the breadth, depth and brilliance of a new instrument to members of congregations who have invested significant resources in such a new venture.

WHAT: Historic Organ Recital

WHEN: Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 4:00pm

WHERE: The First Religious Society, 26 Pleasant Street, Newburyport MA

COST: Free and open to the public

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