We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to Dr Christopher Hainsworth for the beautiful organ concert that he freely gave in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart Timaru last Wednesday night 6 April.
The concert was in memory of our workers Neil Stocker, Scott Lucy and Paul Dunlop who died in the Feb 22 earthquake when the Durham St Church in which they were dismantling the pipe organ collapsed.
A nearly full Church accorded Christopher a standing ovation at the end of the concert concluding with an improvisation on a traditional West Indian setting of ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ which John Hargraves had the privilege of singing. The programme also included; Pugnani - Praeludium in E minor; J.S. Bach - Sinfonia from Cantata 29; Brahms – ‘Herzlich tut mich verlangen’; Widor – Symphony V, Adagio – Toccata; Grieg – Spring; Liszt - Prelude and Fugue on B.A.C.H.
Neil’s widow Margaret bravely introduced the Neil Stocker memorial fund for special training opportunities for young organ builders to which $2,200 was contributed.
Special thanks are due to parish priest Fr. Peter Costello and his willing people, the Timaru Herald, the Courier, local FM radio and local volunteers who generously supported the concert in many ways.
It was particularly touching to speak with Sue Dunlop (widow of Paul) and a contingent of organ music lovers from Christchurch who were delighted to be present in our beautiful and intact church. Finally thanks to the historic Arthur Hobday organ, lovingly restored by Neil and other SIOC workers whose beautiful tones never fail to inspire us.