Getting "Organ-ized"
Getting Organ-ized Progress Note
Now that we have successfully moved and installed our Visser-Rowland/Klais organ (click HERE for photo), we are able to begin Phase 2, the completion of this wonderful instrument that was gifted to EUMC by The Community Church of Vero Beach, Florida. This represents a decade of work by EUMC’s Music & Arts Ministries to replace a 50-year old instrument that was beyond repair. For more information about the history of the organ and organ project click HERE. For the official press release from the Organ Dedication Concert click HERE. Check out the KIRO news radio coverage of this story HERE. The Seattle Times coverage can be found HERE. Thank you to all who have contributed time, talent, and money to get us to this very exciting day!
In Phase 1, our goal was to install the organ and get the minimal amount possible playable, while working under significant time and financial pressure. In Phase 2, the final phase, we will (1) correct the electrical deficiencies inherent in this instrument, as a result of three moves and 25 years of normal wear; (2)install a state-of-the-art digital memory system to allow for an exponentially greater number of stop combinations; and (3) add new Swell and Pedal divisions, using some of the pipes from the Vero Beach organ and some new ones yet to be built. This will allow the organ to be played “under expression,” that is, at varying volume levels, which will accompany singers much more sensitively, and will produce a greater variety of sounds. Ultimately, instead of the 50-60% of organ literature that is in reach of the current instrument, the additional pipes and stops will allow nearly all literature for the organ to be played here at EUMC! This will bring our instrument to a new level and greatly increase its desirability as a concert instrument for organists and musical groups outside our church. Currently, a guest organist must undergo significant instruction from Stephen and Wanda to rework the way they play a piece in order to fit our incomplete instrument.
Phase 2 will cost approximately $217,000 – the exact amount won’t be known until a specific design for the remaining work is finished. Unlike in Phase 1, we will be able to complete some of the work as we raise the money, as there are pieces that can be completed independently of each other. Since we now have a working organ, we are not under the time pressure we experienced under Phase 1!
To begin funding Phase 2, the completion of our organ, the Organ Task Force is pleased to announce the second Organ Benefit Concert Series. Here are the dates for the 2010-11 series:
- Sunday, September 26 , 3 p.m.– Dr. George Fiore, pianist, renowned for his performance of Frederic Chopin’s music, will present a piano recital celebrating the bicentennial of Chopin’s birth.
- Friday, October 22, 7 p.m. – Dr. Jose Daniel Flores and Dr. Marcos Daniel Flores will present: “The Dueling Brothers: Who is the King of Instruments? An Organ and Piano Duel to Settle the Age-Old Rivalry.
- Sunday, January 9, 3 p.m. – Drom Aluinn (Irish/Gaelic/Celtic for “beautiful mountain”), an eight-piece Celtic band following the traditions of Celtic Woman, Celtic Thunder, The High Kings and Secret Garden, will entertain you with traditional Celtic ballads and rousing pub tunes.
- Sunday, February 13, 3 p.m. – Dr. Clint Kraus, Cathedral Associate Organist and Director of Youth Music Program at St. James Cathedral, will present an organ recital
- Sunday, March 27, 3 p.m. – EUMC Director Stephen Marshall-Ward and Associate Director Dr. Wanda Griffiths will perform works for organ duo, plus the Chancel Choir will perform Bob Chilcott’s “A Little Jazz Mass.”
This year’s season subscription price is a suggested donation of $70. Tickets are also available at the door at each performance for a suggested donation of $20, with students and seniors paying as able. To reserve tickets please click HERE or call the church office at 425.778.2119.
15% of the proceeds from the concert series ticket sales will go toward a need identified by the EUMC Finance Committee. Additionally, all proceeds for the March 27 concert will go for capital improvements at EUMC, such as a new furnace or roof repairs, to be determined by the Trustees and Finance Committee.