The newly modified organ at the Tryon Congregational Church was given a workout on March 8 as six of the area’s outstanding organists performed on it for a program presented by the Foothills Music Club (FMC).
Each of the organists chose music to show off the capabilities of the instrument, as well as entertain the packed house of concert goers interested in hearing the organ following renovations to the church and modifications made to the organ itself.
Organists Carole Bartol, John Gardner, Susie Mahnke, Eleanor Roemer, Lesley Bush and Diane Pickens performed music from Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) through the years to the 21st century composers Alec Wyton and Robert Hobby. Plenty of attention was also given to German and French composers.
The program ended with a choral benediction of John Rutter’s “The Lord Bless You and Keep You,” performed by an ensemble of music club members and friends, directed and accompanied by FMC members Rita Stobbe and Eleanor Roemer.
The public concert focused attention on the FMC’s scholarship program that benefits high-school musicians in the area.
Recently, 15 outstanding young people auditioned for scholarships, and seven were chosen either to receive scholarships or to be recognized for their significant achievements with honorable mention awards.
– article submitted by Ellen Harvey Zipf