ST Michael’s Church is holding an inaugural concert to celebrate the redesigning and rebuilding of its magnificent organ.
The concert will take place on Thursday 2nd June and will coincide with the first day of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and give an opportunity to show off the versatility and power of the instrument.
“The rebuilding work was completed in 2019 by Gary Cook of Liberty Organs Ltd (also a previous organist and choirmaster at St Michael’s),” reports Charlie Adams on behalf of the church. “The earlier mechanical working of the organ has been redesigned with an electro pneumatic action and a completely new console (the bit with the three keyboards and stops!) built to enable it to be flexible and moveable depending upon what is required.
“The intended concert had to be delayed because of Covid restrictions, but it is now fortunate to be an important part of the town’s Jubilee arrangements.
“Robin and Maureen Jackson, David Thomas and Gary Cook have kindly agreed to provide a varied programme of music, classical and modern and there will be a definite Jubilee theme in some of what they will play. The concert will begin at 7.30pm, there will be an interval for refreshments and the second half should finish by about 9pm.
“Tickets costing £10 (£8 for students and those under 18), including refreshments, are available at the Tourist Information Centre in Canon Square and can be bought online at: www.melksham. church/jubilee
“Proceeds will go to the Friends of St Michael’s who do much to help with the upkeep of the fabric of the church, with some being reserved for the organ fund. Everyone is welcome to what will be a memorable part of the town’s celebrations.”