Organ concert in St Michael’s Church

Following the success of last year’s inaugural concert to celebrate the completion of the new organ, St Michael’s Church has been asked to organise another for this year.

It will be held on Thursday 11th May starting at 7.30pm. The concert will last about and hour and a half including an interval for refreshments, in the church grounds if weather permits.

“The programme will be full of variety, from the 17th Century up to the present day including composers such as Bach, Dubois, the delightfully named Goss-Custard, Sir Arthur Sullivan, Abe Holzman and others,” said Charles Adams, one of the organisers.

“The aim is for both serious and fun – and the intention to cater for most tastes.

“We are lucky enough to have three organists who are giving up their time and offering their services for free: Robin Jackson, recently in charge of student music-making at Bath University and a recitalist at many cathedrals and town halls in the UK and Ireland; David Thomas is the lead partner at the Spa Medical Centre and organist at his local church; and Gary Cook was organist and choirmaster at St Michael’s and runs his own organ building company.

“The theme of last year’s concert was partly a celebration of the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth 11 and some of the music reflected the occasion. Although this concert will be a few days after the Coronation of King Charles III, the music will not be so influenced by the royal themes of last year.

“Apart from the opportunity to enjoy some fine music, the funds raised from the concert will go towards the continuing repair of the fabric of this beautiful church.”

Tickets are £10 (including refreshments) and may be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre in Church Street or on the Melksham Church website at www.melksham.church

Pictured: Gary Cook, who rebuilt the St Michael’s organ, playing at last year’s Jubilee concert.