At Violinos

Recently our MD John Hargraves took part in a delightful concert with some other very accomplished musicians!  This was a fundraiser for Cancer Society, organised by Ruth Hall – the creator of At Violinos, a music farm inspired by resting places on walks in the Swiss Alps.  Located on  the Ashburton/Methven Highway where visiting groups are encouraged to find their latent musical talents in a variety of fun ways, from Swiss cowbells, boom-whackers, Tibetan singing prayer bowls and musical croquet, to a little pipe organ. (See it in the background of this photo).  Ruth and her talented band of helpers put the Positive Organ Co of London organ supplied by SIOC together and restored it with our assistance.

A near capacity audience was treated to a delightful and varied programme from Handel and Rachmaninov to the Secret Garden theme and an all-in Maggie, utilising various combinations and talents of the instrumentalists in this photo.

Photo from left to right: Paula Green (violin), John Hargraves (organ), Ruth Hall (violin), Hermann Stamm (piano), Dora Green (cello)

Post written by Val Hargraves

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Our Book is Available for Purchase

More than a Pipe Dream

This book pays homage to the highly skilled individuals in the South Island Organ Company who have dedicated so much of their lives to designing, building and restoring pipe organs, highly complex musical instruments as they are. It unveils an impressive amount of detail about this unique company's development, achievements and adventures, including secrets of the instruments construction and the art of restoration, all of which is presented in a highly readable manner so that you will never feel overwhelmed by technical jargon.

This book is the work of multi-award-winning writer Jill Worrall.

$99.99 plus postage & handling fee.

Here are some comments:

  • "Thrilled to have the book arrive today. What a gorgeous production it is and how poignant the earthquake stories and images. Thank you and I will enjoy it in greater detail as the days go by". - Tim McWhannell
  • "The book has arrived....amidst the busy day, I just had to have a quick flip through. I am absolutely gobsmacked!  What a magnificent publication -accolades all round!
    You have exceeded!  I am wordless, and speechless!
    Bravo!" - Roy Tankersley
  •  "The book arrived today! Excellent publication" - Alan Edwards
  • To John: "I enjoyed the book...indeed more than a pipe dream, that's for sure. From it I can see you've had a  remarkable and interesting career amongst some great talented craftsmen and artisans and have formed a great company in SIOC which you must be proud of. The tragedy of the losses SIOC suffered with the deaths of your men following the earthquakes is so sad and I am sure is a deep loss to you and Val personally. But what an outstanding first 50 years" - Craig Maclean & family
  •  "My copy has arrived. It is superb!! Many thanks to Val and John, and to all those who had input into its publication" - Robert Cleaver

 

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