Our monthly Friday lunchtime organ recitals serve a dual purpose: they provide pleasure for anyone seeking a midday pick-me-up as well as boosting choir funds.
For instance, three weeks ago Ilkley Grammar School pupil Anthony Gray’s ‘working’ lunch-break spent at the keyboard raised £281.85. This achievement means that ten recitals this year have attracted donations totalling £1599.63.
‘That’s an amazing amount and reflects great credit on all concerned –- soloists and their supporters,’ says Christopher Rathbone, who has been a key figure in the musical life of the parish since becoming Director of Music seven years ago. He gives the bulk of the monthly performances but readily welcomes the occasional break when others offer their services.
‘Besides Anthony’s effort we’ve had three other guest recitalists this year,’ he says. ‘Edward Scott (80) and his granddaughter Jessica (20) celebrated their joint centenary birthday with us in July and Gabrielle Lewis from Cornwall, a friend of our choir member Catherine Cheater, came in September. All were well received and their efforts much appreciated.
Next Friday, 12.30) it's back to me again for an all-Bach recital -- Trio Sonata no 6, two late chorales and an early but fiendish Prelude and fugue in G.’
Meanwhile, those devotees who give their time and money once a month to support St Margaret’s Choir Fund can be sure that it will be wisely spent on new music to enlarge the repertoire, for instance replacing lost or worn-out copies, and the purchase of choir robes.
Mike Casey