Tony, thank you for asking. The rare, ancient and HUGE, French Pipe Organ at St. Francis de Sales is one of the coolest, most generously used, and exquisite objects in University City. Unfortunately age has reduced its sound to a fraction of its potential glory. Notes have been lost and valves get stuck open so rhythm and timing get obscured. BUT, ANYONE WHO APPRECIATES ITS POTENTIAL MAY HELP RESTORE IT. CHECKS TO "SFDS ORGAN FUND" IN ANY AMOUNTS ARE WELCOME AT ANY TIME.
100's of generous neighbors have already made contributions toward it's restoration, but the task is enormous, and more money is needed. The actual cost of complete restoration is over $400,000. The needed work has been divided into three phases. I think fund raising has brought in $125,000 already. This permits two bits of good news: Phase One was completed over the summer; and Much of the work has been placed at a very local level. Neighbors from Springfield and Windsor Avenues are on the job. The console has been digitized and neighbor and a brilliant local contractor, Rod Boston, designed and built a wheeled platform to permit different positioning depending on use with choirs of varying sizes (including soloists). Over 10,000 pipes from tiny pencil-size to large enough to-hide-a-body need to be moved, cleaned and reset. Several Leather Chests have to be rebuilt (and the mice relocated). Bellows, airways, stops and keys need to be restored. The organ is used for weekly worship, for private celebrations (weddings, funerals, etc.) and to advance culture within the neighborhood. The Philadelphia Orchestra, Bel Canto Opera, Philadelphia Boys Choir, USP Choir and others use the SFDS church and organ to compliment their art and bring it into our neighborhood. It was the organ chosen by Eugene Ormandy for his organ recordings. It has even been used in support of other community associations, the Historical Society and the Arts League, during house tours and other fund raisers. It is a tourist attraction and draws the finest talents in music and architecture into the neighborhood for a tour and visit. Recently, the great grand daughter of architect Clarence Daget chose to be married in de Sales. Her Grandmother had been the child model for one of the stone angels and her Great Grandmother the model for the large Madonna. I was working on my garden and several folks, from her Main Line area, talked to me as they were returning to their cars. It was a privilege to hear their compliments about the organ and the neighborhood. The parishioners of St. Francis can not bear the expense alone. The school is 100 years young this year, and it and the church require their own maintenance. Annual Organ performances are given to attract both a larger audience and financial support. This year the organ will be performed at a Christmas Recital (December 12 at 2 PM and in conjunction with the Holiday House Tour); the Christmas Eve Carol Sing (11 PM - Midnight on 12/24/2004); and for the Bel Canto in the Spring. The Christmas concerts are "Free" but donations are welcome and encouraged. Also, neighbor Judy Lamarind has volunteered to create Programs which will feature business supporters (in the form of business card and full page ads). Please call for details and rate sheet. Any private individual who sends in a donation before December 1, 2004 will be listed in both booklets. We can also place family photos or "Holiday Wishes" at ad rates. So, please contact me or any member of the Organ Restoration Board if you want to support music and art through the restoration of the SFDS organ. All the best! I hope to see you and yours at both holiday performances. They feature very different pieces and moods of the season. Liz Elizabeth Campion http://ilead.realtor.com/display/?id=13380525&; 215-790-5653 ________________________________________________________________ Juno Platinum $9.95. Juno SpeedBand $14.95. Sign up for Juno Today at http://www.juno.com! Look for special offers at Best Buy stores. ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.
