Starting in September, there is just one lunchtime performance on the
first Wednesday of each month, but commencing on November 13, Barry Valentine will present
Simply Organic, a half hour performance at 10:10 am taking place on the other
Wednesdays of the month. The weekly schedule will resume again the following summer.Simply Organic
Now that the fall and winter season for Music and Munch has established its pattern of a recital followed by
lunch, on the first Wednesday of the month, Music Makers of the Anglican Parish will be hosting a second series of
informal musical gatherings commencing on November 13th, at 10:10 in the morning at All Saints' by-the-Sea.
The present Anglican Centre, home of All Saints' Church and a host of community activities, has become a very
busy place since its completion in 1994. The church itself houses the island's only pipe organ which was
fortuitously obtained from Holy Trinity Church in Vancouver, demolished at the time of the remarkable
transformation of St. George's Church on Park Drive to the new and present facility. Blessed by exceedingly fine
acoustics, the church is used regularly not only for the lunchtime Music and Munch recitals, but also for concerts
which demand an intimate and warm ambiance.
The fine two manual Cassavant organ has been played not only to lead Anglican worship over the past eight
years, but also in concert at the hands of several internationally acclaimed organists, such as Hugh McLean and
Gerald Wheeler, as well as Nicholas Fairbank and Mary Rogers of Victoria.
Over those years the organ has been continually improved and refurbished and has, as its most recent addition,
been 'transplanted' with a trumpet rank from the recently dismantled Cathedral organ in Victoria and an oboe rank
from St, Andrew's Presbyterian Church, also in Victoria. Next year the double manual will be replaced by three
manuals, also from the Christ Church Cathedral.
In order that these improvements may be enjoyed by all who love organ music and have been witness to the
ongoing development of this fine instrument, Music Makers will be hosting a weekly series of recitals that is
'simply organic'.
Organist Barry Valentine has been instrumental in both facilitating and supporting the work on the All saints'
organ, as well as having a primary role in establishing the successful Music and Munch series which began in 1995
with his weekly organ recitals. His knowledge of classical and sacred music is extensive and the sensitivity and
intelligence with which he plays has long been appreciated by audiences and congregations alike.
His informal half hour recitals will be composed largely of well known, well loved music for the organ. They
begin on November 13th and will take place weekly at All Saints' beginning at 10:10 am. Music will be free
followed by an opportunity to enjoy freshly baked muffins and coffee prepared by the Anglican Caterers, at a cost
of $2. 0n the first Wednesday of every month, recitals will be replaced by the regular Music and Munch event which
begins at 12.10 followed by lunch.
The combination of music and refreshment now firmly established by a happy liaison between Music Makers and the
Anglican Caterers has proven to date to be wonderful formula for community conviviality and musical pleasure. This
winter’s interlude of music that is 'simply organic' promises to follow in fine foot-steps indeed. |
