Published: 11/14/2021 5:00:26 PM
ASHFIELD — The First Congregational Church of Ashfield will hold the next event in its Organ Celebration Series, marking the recent restoration of its historic George W. Reed pipe organ, on Sunday, Nov. 21, at 10 a.m. The occasion will involve an organ rededication ceremony at the church, 429 Main St.
The guest organist will be Jerry Noble, according to a press release from the Organ Celebration Series Committee. The choir, under the direction of Margery Heins, will sing music by Charles Villiers Stanford as well as lead hymns. Guests present in the congregation will include Bill Czelusniak, whose firm undertook the complete restoration of the organ, as well as Helen Boyle, great-great-grand-daughter of the organ’s builder, George W. Reed.
As part of the Organ Celebration Series, a September inaugural recital by organist Grant Moss displayed the many capabilities of the organ in music of J.S. Bach Arne, Willan, César Franck, Florence Price, Schroeder and others. The release states a second concert, featuring the Bob Sparkman Trio with Tinky Weisblat, soprano, was postponed due to illness, and will take place in 2022.
Those who are interested can read more about the organ in a celebration booklet that can be found at the libraries in Ashfield, Buckland, Charlemont, Conway, Plainfield and Shelburne. According to the release, booklets will also be available at the Nov. 21 rededication service.
The following programs remain in the Organ Celebration Series: the postponed Bob Sparkman Trio concert, and a concert by local organists and supporting musicians on Sunday, April 24, 2022 at 4 p.m.
Admission is free. Masks will be required inside the sanctuary.
For more information, visit ashfielducc.org.