“To my eyes and ears the organ will ever be the king of Instruments.” – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
There’s something new at St. John’s Presbyterian Church – but that something new is actually the return of something old: the full sound of a church organ.
The organ pipes were rescued from the old St. John’s Presbyterian at John and Church streets when the building was demolished. They were installed in the sanctuary of the new church on Sideroad 10, but for show only, providing a decorative backdrop for church services and performances.
The church hired Schmidt Piano and Organ services to install a Viscount Sonus organ, and Schmidt Classique Combination pipe organ system, which uses digital technology to reactivate the pipes.
It took nearly a year to install the new system, said Gary Schmidt. Pipe-modelling technology activates equipment located in a vestibule behind the pipes, including the four different chests, 38-centimetre base drivers and amplifiers that give each pipe its voice, and "close to 50 speakers" that deliver the magnificent sound.
"It's just a beautiful instrument," said Schmidt, congratulating the church on installing the system.
To celebrate and dedicate the new organ, concert organist Richard Birney-Smith has been invited to perform on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. at the church.
Birney-Smith, organist, harpsichordist and composer, will play a variety of works, including Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor and the Carillon de Westminster by Louis Vierne, to showcase the tonal range of the new hybrid organ.
Birney-Smith will be joined by singer Amelia DePiero, and by guest musicians Anita Weber and Brittany MacLean.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. at St. John’s, 2940 Sideroad 10 (at Line 8 in Bradford West Gwillimbury), followed by refreshments in the church hall.
