The Sanctuary

Organ recital by Robert Plimpton, First Church organist in residence, assisted by Nicholas Halbert, organ scholar at St. Paul's Cathedral.

Solo organ works of Bach, Franck, Reger, Purvis, and Elmore.

Organ duets by Callahan and Rutter.

Free-will offering.

Reception following the concert.

The concert, sponsored by the Cultural Events Committee, will honor the memory of Cultural Events co-founder Richard Peerson as well as introduce young organ scholar, Nicholas Halbert, in an eclectic program demonstrating why Bob and our 108-rank, 4-manual Blackinton and Associates Pipe Organ (the largest pipe organ in San Diego County) are two of the church’s greatest treasures
 
The solo portion of Bob’s program will include “some of his favorite things”, including works by Purvis, J.S. Bach, Wagner (arr. Liszt), Franck, Estrada and his mentor, Robert Elmore, masters of organ composition.  Additionally, Bob and Nicholas will perform two organ duets, “Rhapsody on American Hymn Tunes” by Charles Callahan and “Variations on an Easter Theme” by John Rutter. Bob’s special performance of “The Pilgrims’ Chorus” from the opera Tannhäuser is dedicated to the memory of Richard Peerson, Cultural Events and Music Series co-founder and passionate organ enthusiast, both at First Church and with the Spreckles Organ Society. Richard (April, 1937-November, 2011) joined First Church in 1960 along with his wife Janice and was an active member of several groups for over 50 years, the promotion of music and the church organ being at the top of his list.  “The Pilgrims’ Chorus” was one of his favorites.
 
Bob tells us that since becoming a “senior citizen” among musicians, one of his greatest joys is participating with and encouraging young musicians such as organist Nicholas Halbert.  Nicholas already has an impressive background!  Having been confirmed at First Church, he’s served as organist for Children’s Church in the chapel, sung with the summer choirs and played the organ during worship services on occasion. At 17, he’s also been a boy chorister at St. Paul’s Cathedral for eight years and is an organ scholar there, assisting Canon for Music Martin Green, his teacher and mentor, in accompanying rehearsals and playing for various worship services. He’s attended the American Guild of Organists’ Pipe Organ Encounter in San Diego and hopes to make the organ and church music his career.
 
This multi-faceted concert will appeal to all who value the highest standards of organ performance which Bob Plimpton has upheld and encouraged at First Church. The repertoire is exciting and there may even be a surprise ending!