Organ Dedication Concert - St Paul's Chester

Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Chester is pleased to announce the dedication of its newly restored Aeolian-Skinner organ (opus 1273). The instrument was designed in 1954 by Joseph Whiteford and installed in January of 1956. The two-manual, twenty-nine rank organ was fully refurbished by Stephen L. Emery, Inc. and their team over the past year, which included the faithful restoration of the original unaltered instrument, the addition of prepared ranks, and an updating of the console.

In celebration, on Sunday, October 30 at 3pm, organist Richard Spotts will be performing selections of works by Charles Tournemire. Richard has spent over a decade studying “L’Orgue Mystique” and has given several performances of the complete work. His book on the subject is planned to be published in the coming year by the Leupold Foundation.

The recital will consist of selections from various works by Tournemire, including the “Suite évocatrice” (written in a “neo-antique style” for the Clicquot organ of Saint-Gervais in Paris), an excerpt from the “Trois Poèmes” (a piece written for the rededication of Tournemire’s newly restored instrument at Sainte-Clotilde), the “Ave maris stella” from the “Cinq Improvisations”, and two movements from “L’Orgue Mystique”.

There is no charge for admission and a freewill offering will be received. Refreshments will be served following the program. The building is wheelchair accessible and off street church parking is available. Please help us share this information, spread the word, and plan to attend this special event. St Paul’s Episcopal Church is located at 301 E Ninth St, Chester, Pennsylvania 19013.