A NEW series of music events featuring the organ at St Mary’s Parish Church, in Barnard Castle, has been lined up for the coming.
In recent years, the church has organised a series of weekly lunchtime recitals featuring visiting musicians throughout the summer.
Church organist and director of music Annette Butters said the new look programme aimed to make the organ – which was installed in 2007 – more accessible and appealing to new audiences.
“This year we are including the organ in more community events and showing a few different sides to this fantastic instrument,” said Ms Butters.
“Apart from some talented visiting recitalists, we have included a school workshop based on local Teesdale legend, the rather nasty Peg Powler; we will also include the organ in community singalongs and other not so traditional organ music events.”
Events begin on Wednesday, May 23, when the church will host soprano Martha Hayward and organist Matthew Lazenby.
They will perform a varied programme featuring extracts from opera and musicals plus folk and organ music from 6pm to 7pm.
“Their short, informal concert is a great way to de-stress after work and enjoy a glass of wine,” said Ms Butters.
Other highlights include a roadshow on Saturday, June 2, when Organ World will bring the latest in digital organs for anyone to try.
Also in June, a musical spectacular is planned with Barnard Castle Brass band teaming up the St Mary’s Community Choir.
It coincides with the town’s 1940s weekend and will feature music from that era right up to the present day.
Weekly recitals will take place during July
“Later in the year, the Highside Singers community choir will be giving a concert with Keith Dale, assistant organist at Hexham Abbey,” added Ms Butters.
“We are delighted to welcome our visiting musicians this year and we look forward to sharing our organ for future events.”
Admission to all church organ events and recitals is free, although donations will be gratefully received.
A leaflet giving details of all organ related events during the summer has been produced and details are also available on the church website.
