In February, Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, New York City, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of its Casavant organ (Opus 2660, 1961), and a rededication of the organ following a restoration by Casavant Frères.
The recent restoration included releathering, revoicing, repair of some pipework and mechanisms, and the addition of a Clarinette stop and a Cymbelstern, as well as a thorough cleaning. On Sunday, February 5 at 3 pm, director of music and organist Andrew Henderson will present the opening recital on the restored organ, featuring works by Bach and Duruflé.
On February 26 at 3 pm, the church’s choral society, the Saint Andrew Chorale & Orchestra, will perform works featured on the original dedication program of March 4, 1962, including Poulenc’s Concerto for Organ, Strings and Timpani, Respighi’s Suite in G for Organ and Strings, and choral works by Seth Bingham and Johannes Brahms.
The concert will also feature the world premiere of Three Songs of Isaiah by John Weaver, director of music and organist emeritus, scored for chorus, organ, strings, and timpani, commissioned by the Saint Andrew Music Society in honor of the occasion. The conductors and organists will be Andrew Henderson, Mary Huff (associate director of music), and John Weaver.
For information: visit www.mapc.com or call 212/288-8920.
