Sunday, September 12 at 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 19 at 12:15 p.m.

First United Methodist Church of San Diego, 2111 Camino del Rio South, Mission Valley

New Organ Dedication: Resident organist Robert Plimpton will perform three identical recitals to dedicate the new 14-rank (849 individual pipes) pipe organ in Trotter Chapel at First United Methodist Church of San Diego. L.W. Blackinton and Associates completed installation in August. Playable from a low-profile two-manual and pedal console, the combination action has 128 memory levels. Tonal concepts and specifications for the organ were cooperatively developed by Organ Builder, Lyle Blackinton, Organist, Robert Plimpton and Music Director Stanley Wicks. The challenge was to design an instrument of modest size to be used primarily for small services, weddings, and funerals, but in addition, would have the versatility to be used for other intimate musical events.

Inspiration for the tonal design can be found in small French "Choir Organs" that were typically found in the chancel of cathedrals, separate from the main organ and designed primarily for accompaniment purposes. They generally possessed an abundance of warm 8' stops of different characters. To this foundation it was decided expand the compass of certain ranks to provide additional brightness and flexibility. Independent mutations were also added to expand the texture of sounds available.

The organ pipes are placed in an elevated position at the rear of the chapel where the sound can "bloom" and "soar" above the heads of the congregation. The exposed pipes are actual speaking pipes from the low octaves of the 16' Pedal Contrabass and the 8' Great Principal. One hundred and fifty-six "Tongues of Fire", inspired by the United Methodist logo, are displayed above the pipes on a grid to provide visual interest and to mask the internal working portions of the organ.

Bob Plimpton’s recital program will demonstrate the amazing flexibility and versatility of this gem of an instrument, including music appropriate for weddings and memorial services plus supporting congregational singing. We will also hear orchestral transcriptions, Michael Bedford’s new “Variations on ‘Le Ping’” performed at the AGO convention in DC in July, and a fantastic “Tango for Organ” by Joe Utterback.

Due to limited seating in the chapel, complimentary tickets may be obtained in the church office during the week, or by writing:

First United Methodist Church

Attn. Andrea Card

2111 Camino del Rio South

San Diego, CA 92108.

Enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope, and indicate the number of tickets, and the concerts you can attend in order of preference. Please include your email address. Tickets will be mailed beginning August 30 and up to five days prior to the recital; otherwise they will be held at "will call." Tickets will reserve a seat up to 5 minutes before the performance begins; after that, any remaining seats will be given to non-ticket holders.

For more information, call 619-583-6513

If you would like an event (organ concert, choral concert, church music program or workshops relating to organ), please email information to hollaceann@cox.net.  Please include the date, time, location, nature of the event and principal participants' names.