Blessing and recital at shrine of St Augustine’s to mark restoration of pipe organ

Neil Wright will perform a recital

Music, a talk and a Latin ritual will take place for the blessing of the restored pipe organ at the Shrine of St Augustine in Ramsgate on May 25.

The organ has been restored by Willis & Sons of Liverpool and London, cleaned and repaired as necessary, with a brand new console in-keeping with the neo-gothic architecture of the church by Augustus Pugin.

The event will begin with a presentation by Director of Music, Shrine of St Augustine Ben Scott followed by the blessing and then a recital by Neil Wright, international concert organist and organist of the  Cavaille-Coll at Farnborough Abbey.

Tickets are £10 for the concert – the talk and blessing are free to attend. Pay on the door or reserve seats by leaving a voicemail on 07746 281290.

Timetable

6.45pm – Presentation given by Ben Scott, Director of Music, Shrine of St Augustine – this will contain images and footage of the organ, including inside the pipe chamber, not accessible to the public and will summarise the important work carried out by Willis & Sons. Ben will also be talking about what needs to be done in the future in order to preserve the organs’ longevity and bring it up to standard as well as plans for the music at St Augustine’s and the annual organ recitals.

7.15pm – Latin ritual of blessing of a church organ. This will include the schola chanting Psalm 150 and the congregation joining in with the Te Deum (a hymn of thanksgiving).

7.30pm – Neil Wright will give his recital. It will contain an improvisation on melodies given to him one minute before he begins.

There will be refreshments afterwards, wine, Prosecco and soft drinks will be available to purchase. There will also be a collection for the music fund.