Cabaret kicks off fundraising to save heritage pipe organ

24 July 2017

Media release

Cabaret kicks off fundraising to save heritage Wellington pipe organ

Fundraising to restore the heritage pipe organ at St Andrew’s on The Terrace is kicking off this month with a concert on Friday 28 July, featuring well-known Wellington cabaret singer Jane Keller.

Jane will delight with hilarious highlights from her four one-woman shows with Michael Nicholas Williams on piano and Peter Franklin on the organ.

All proceeds will go towards restoring the heritage organ at St Andrew’s which is the only one of its kind in New Zealand still in its original state. The restoration is expected to cost $450,000.

St Andrew’s minister, the Rev Dr Susan Jones, says the concert, called Let Us Entertain You, should be a good night out.

“We’re having a bit of fun with it and telling people this is their chance to become organ donors,” she said.

“Jane’s one-woman shows are terrific and what better way to wind down the week and support a good cause?”

The St Andrew’s organ was built in 1962 by one of the leading New Zealand organ builders of the time, George Croft and Sons.

Organ consultant Roy Tankersley says it is the only Croft organ in New Zealand with floating mutations that is still in its original state. Floating mutations are a series of high pitched ranks of pipes which add brilliance and colour to music played on any section of the organ.

The organ was built to match the fine acoustics at St Andrew’s. In its early days it was one of the most frequently broadcast organs on New Zealand radio.

“Many Wellingtonians will have heard it played at recitals, concerts, weddings, funerals and Sunday gatherings,” Dr Jones said. “It also provides an important backdrop to community music events and performances.”

Restoring the organ marks the final stage of returning St Andrew’s to its former glory and fulfilling the church’s potential as a leading music venue. As well as being a lively and active faith community, St Andrew’s is a hub in central Wellington for music and arts, intellectual debate and dialogue, and a host of civic events and activities.

Tickets to Let Us Entertain You are available from Eventfinda. Door sales are also available.

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