We
are proud to announce a new series of organ recitals on the historic
Holtkamp organ in the MIT Chapel. Leonardo Ciampa is artistic
director of the series. Fine and notable organists will play recitals
on Thursdays from 12:05 to 12:35 during the months of October,
November, February, and March. If you have not heard this exquisite
musical instrument, in this renowned Chapel, you are in for a treat!
Please read the below message from Chaplain Bob Randolph (Chaplain to
the Institute) and consider this opportunity to support something
exceptional.
FROM
THE CHAPLAIN TO THE INSTITUTE
As
Chaplain to the Institute, I am pleased to announce this concert
series. We need your support in order to make it happen. My reasons
for asking for your help are threefold:
1.
The Thursday concert series in the Chapel has been canceled, leaving
a hole in arts opportunities during the week on campus.
2.
At the same time, we have in the Chapel an organ that is a campus
treasure that most on campus are not familiar with. I have been
seeking ways to make this lovely instrument and its kindred
instrument in Kresge better known.
3.
Awareness of these two instruments in addition to the contributions
they can make to music on our campus is critical if I am to find
resources to refurbish them and keep them maintained to the standards
required for such instruments.
The
Chapel organ, built by the Holtkamp Organ Company in the 1950s, is an
exquisite example of the organ building of that era. It remains
unaltered and, thus, is one of the most important historic organs of
that period of American organ building. The instrument is wed
felicitously with the acoustics and architecture of Saarinen's
renowned chapel.
The
Chapel organ dates from Holtkamp's finest period: the tenure of
Walter Holtkamp, Sr. (1894-1962), who was president from 1951 till
his death in 1962. Many important installations date from this
period, including the organ at Crouse College (Syracuse University),
as well as our own Kresge Auditorium.
Dr.
Robert M. Randolph
Chaplain to the Institute
About
Contributions
*All
contributions to MIT are fully tax-deductible.
*For
a contribution of $450, you will be the official sponsor of one
recital, with the option of being identified as such in the program and other publicity material.
*Contributions
of any amount are most welcome.
Checks
should be made out to “MIT” or “Massachusetts
Institute of Technology,” with “Organ Project” in
the memo line. They should be sent to:
Dr.
Robert M. Randolph
MIT Office of Religious Life
W-11 Rm. 128
40
Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139-4312
e-mail:
randolph@mit.edu
phone:
617-258-5484