September 26, 2013 at 8:50 p.m.
Acclaimed US organist to perform at Wesley Church
Charles Callahan and violinist Lionel Thomas to play at organ restoration fundraiser
Acclaimed US organist to perform at Wesley Church
Dr Charles Callahan has previously performed in Bermuda and also taught at the Bermuda School of Music.
On Sunday, he will be appearing in concert with violinist Lionel Thomas. The concert is a fund-raiser for the restoration of the pipe organ at Marsden First United Methodist Church in Smith’s.
It will get under way at 4pm and is under the patronage of Premier Craig Cannonier and Antoinette Cannonier. Craig Tucker, chairman of the organ committee, noting the calibre of the two musicians, said audiences are certain to enjoy Sunday’s performance. Dr Callahan, a graduate of the Curtis School of Music and Catholic University of America, has an extensive resumé.
He has worked with top stage and screen personalities and is a noted educator and author. He has also written two books on American organ building, which have become standard reference works. Mr Thomas, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music, has performed and taught violin in the US. He is currently teaching at the Bermuda School of Music.
Marsden is said to be one of a handful of churches in Bermuda that still have a traditional pipe organ as many have switched to electronic models. Pipe organs have a truer sound. Marsden’s organ is due for a makeover as it has been in use since the 1950s. It was dedicated in 1957 after a five-year fundraising effort, and replaced the old-style pump organ, Mr Tucker said.
Mr Tucker has a special connection with Marsden organists. His father Rodney Tucker, grandmother Mearl Tucker and great-grandmother Mamie Talbot — mother of the Talbot Brothers — were all organists at the church. Rodney Tucker, who died two years ago, was organist at Marsden for 68 years. For 30 years as well, he was organist at Wesley Methodist Church.
Patrons tickets are $100 and $50. General admission tickets are $25 and can be purchased on line at www.premierticketsglobal.bm or by calling 278-1500.
Comments:
You must login to comment.