Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the E.M. Skinner organ in Marquand Chapel
Members of the Yale Camerata, Marguerite L. Brooks, conductor
Thomas Murray, organ
Marquand Chapel, 409 Prospect Street, New Haven
On Saturday, November 3, 2007, the Institute of Sacred Music will present members of the Yale Camerata in concert with Thomas Murray, Yale University Organist. Marguerite L. Brooks will conduct. The program will be performed twice: first on Saturday, November 3 at 5 PM in historic Marquand Chapel at Yale. The program will be repeated in the United Congregational Church of Holyoke, Massachusetts, on Sunday, November 4 at 4 PM.
They will be performing, among other works, Benjamin Britten’s “Rejoice in the Lamb,” a setting of 18th-century poems of praise by Christopher Smart commissioned by the Choir of St. Matthew’s Church, Northampton (England)in 1943.
Thomas Murray, perhaps the world’s foremost masters of the symphonic organ, will preside over two distinguished E.M. Skinner instruments. The New Haven concert celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Skinner organ in Marquand Chapel, which was restored in 1986. The instrument at United Church (former Sanctuary of the noted “Second Congregational“) dates from 1921. The 70-rank, 80-stop (including percussion) organ of six divisions includes all of Mr. Skinner’s famous effects.
The Holyoke performance also celebrates Yale’s ties to United Church and Mt. Holyoke College, whose alumnae include Professor Brooks. The concert at United Church will followed by a gala reception hosted by the Springfield Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
Admission to both concerts is free. Reservations are required for the Yale concert; call 203-432-9671 to reserve or e-mail the Choral Office. For the Holyoke concert there is a suggested donation of $10, $5 for students and seniors, all proceeds of which will be used to help fund educational and service opportunities for young musicians.
More information about the Yale concert is at 203-432-5062. For the Massachusetts concert, please call 413-532-1483, or log on to www.uccholyoke.org (where there are detailed directions to the church).