Scratching around for something to do this Saturday 18 April, why not come along to a scratch Messiah at St Mary’s? The event is in aid of two local charities: the Rye Wurlitzer Academy and the Rye Old Scholars Generation X Fund.
The Rye Wurlitzer Academy gives free lessons to young people in theatre organ style technique and the free use of an electronic organ for practice at home. This incredible instrument is the second oldest in the UK and celebrates her 101st birthday on 19 April, since being installed in the Palace Cinema, Tottenham in 1925. Mastering this instrument gives young people all the life skills that music brings – discipline, time management, social interaction, self-confidence, enhanced learning skills, and the chance to travel.
The Rye Old Scholars Generation X Fund is one I started when mayor of Rye, and which makes small grants to young people under 30 who wish to set up their own business and may need chef’s knives, a lawnmower, a laptop, etc to start their enterprise. There is also a sister fund (Derek Baldock) for budding sportsmen and women to purchase kit or go on training courses. It is hoped that old scholars will be able to mentor younger ones, hence the cross-generation name.
Both of these charities give young people a good start in life and show them that they have their community’s support going forward.
We have around 80 singers signed up to take part so far, but it’s not too late. If you have a copy of the Messiah and would like to sing it for fun that day, come along to St Mary’s – rehearsals start at 2:30pm
If you are not a singer but enjoy Handel’s masterpiece, doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm.
We are grateful to the Mermaid Inn for running the interval bar, and to all the soloists and musicians who are taking part: Grace Constable, soprano, Gary Marriot, tenor, Jonathan Breeds, bass (and me on the alto!) plus Richard Eldridge on the organ, and Andrew and Ian Gill on trumpet and cello. Anne Whiteman is conducting and Richard Moore is doing an amazing job on promoting the event.
There is a minimum donation of £10 to take part, or listen as the audience. All proceeds will go to the charities.
Image Credits: Heidi Foster .