PIPE ORGAN EXTRAVAGANZA

Saturday, December 2, 2023
7:30 p.m. - Divisi String Quartet
8:00 p.m. - Organ Concert

 

Optional 7:00 p.m. Open House includes tour of Church and The Heritage Edition of The Saint John's Bible

Featuring Trinity’s retiring concert organist, Ronald Wyatt, Trinity's Pipe Organ Extravaganza will open with a pre-concert appearance by the Divisi String Quartet, followed by Mr. Wyatt’s concert. Tickets to the Pipe Organ Extravaganza are $15 and include an optional pre-concert tour of the church and the seven-volume set of The Heritage Edition Saint John’s Bible at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available online and also in person at the Church office, 2216 Ball Avenue in Galveston. 

Trumpets, flutes, cornets, violas and more will mix magically in the air and fill the sanctuary as guests of all denominations discover this hidden musical treasure and witness the musical range of Trinity’s pipe organ which features 4,086 pipes ranging in length from approximately one inch to more than 18 feet.

Presented during Galveston’s annual Dicken’s on the Strand celebration, the Pipe Organ Extravaganza will feature a pre-concert appearance by the Divisi String Quartet, followed by a selection of pieces performed by concert organist Ronald Wyatt, and culminating with the opportunity for the audience to sing a selection of favorite Christmas carols with Mr. Wyatt’s accompaniment.

A fixture of Galveston’s Christmas celebrations for more than 30 years, the Pipe Organ Extravaganza performance has become an annual tradition celebrating the holiday season. The organ is moved to the center of the altar facing the audience, giving guests the opportunity to witness the mastery of concert organist Wyatt as he plays this magnificent instrument. Wyatt also offers witty commentary on the music, interesting “back stories” that help bring new meaning to each piece.

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RONALD WYATT

An acclaimed concert organist, Mr. Wyatt holds degrees from the University of Texas and Trinity University, where he was awarded the Master of Arts degree in organ. He spent a year in Europe as a student of the celebrated Marie-Claire Alain, with whom he performed on network television. He was also a student of Marie-Madeleine Duruflé, the noted concert organist and wife of one of the twentieth century’s greatest composers, Maurice Duruflé.

Mr. Wyatt has played numerous recitals throughout the United States and Europe, in addition to holding professional posts in churches of various denominations. He was a founder of the first statewide organ playing competition in Texas, which draws students to San Antonio each year to compete for scholarships.

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ABOUT THE ORGAN

Built by the Austin Organ Company of Harford, Connecticut, the organ at Galveston’s Trinity Episcopal Church was completed in June of 1989. The organ includes 4,086 pipes constructed of various woods and metals. The three-manual drawknob console controls five divisions, including an antiphonal division with a brilliant trompette-en-chamade, located in the rear gallery of the church.