On Nov. 24 at 4 p.m., the Community United Methodist Church (CUMC) will present a concert to dedicate its new three-manual Rodgers Inspire 343 electronic organ.
“This new instrument has some amazing bells and whistles, and the repertoire has been chosen to showcase its amazing capabilities,” said CUMC organist Sarah Riehm.
Admission is free and donations are welcome. During the concert, CUMC will be taking a love offering that will benefit the Sally Neel Memorial Music Fund and the music programs of the church.
“Sally Neel was a real mentor and friend to me when we first moved to town five years ago,” said Riehm. “She was an outstanding musician faithful to her craft. Her dedication to supporting community music of all kinds, and her generous spirit, was an inspiration to me. I took over as music director at St. Patrick’s Episcopal after Sally left due to health reasons. We had originally planned this concert together, but, sadly, she passed away last year. Her husband, Fr. Doug Neel, is delighted that we are honoring her legacy in this way.”
Featured artists on the program include Heidi Tanner, violinist; Andy Hockman, tenor; and the Quodlibet Handbell and Sanctuary choirs of CUMC. We’ll take a fun and informative 80-minute jaunt through the history of the organ and its changing roles in popular and sacred music.
The repertoire includes music ancient and modern, from the very first printed organ piece still in existence to Bach’s two most popular favorites (can you guess them?) to movie music masters Ennio Morricone and John Williams.
The former organ at CUMC became unplayable around 2022 and, because it was so old, the costs to repair it were unviable. At about that time, the Pagosa Springs Girls’ Choir disbanded.
Federal nonprofit regulations dictate that when a nonprofit is dissolved, its assets can be given only to another nonprofit organization. We are grateful to Linda Price Parker, who was the girls’ choir director, for her generous designation of these funds to purchase a new organ. This seed money allowed CUMC to quickly raise enough from church members to fully fund the organ during a 60-day fundraising drive.
“We hope that this organ will enable CUMC to become a center for community music events for years to come,” said Riehm.
Thanks to all who participated.
A reception with refreshments will follow the concert. This is a family-friendly concert and everyone is welcome. Child care will be available. The church is located at 434 Lewis St.
>