Church to play part in City of Culture

A spokesman said: "With our diocesan initiative beingTransforming Community; Radiating Christ, we have already opened up our Church to both individuals and groups and we hope to be very involved in the Cultural adventure that 2013 will be.

"Following the arson attack in 1996 our Church was beautifully refurbished and provides an excellent ambience for both music and drama.

The Rector and Organist at that time (Archdeacon Donald McLean and William West) had the great foresight to realise how this beautiful house of God could be to use for the benefit of the people of the city as well as the church family.

"The organ had been totally destroyed - the only remaining usable part was the organ stool.

"A completely new organ was built. Monthly concerts were begun to raise funds to improve on the organ capacity and in five years enough money was raised to enable the organ builders, Wells Kennedy, to add two extra ranks of pipes with the result that the organ is equally suited to German, French, modern and even hurdy-gurdy type music making it a very versatile addition to the church - and, of course it is ideal for accompanying Hymns, Chants and Choirs.

"Our aim now is to raise money to supply Bursaries for young people and we are fortunate to be able to offer the use of a Grand Piano to performers."

The acoustic of the present building is very good and the great scope for accomodating from a few solo artists up to large choirs and orchestras makes it ideal for both music and drama.

The BBC has used the church for recordings of Recitals for Radio three and for items on Sunday half hour on Radio 2; also individuals have requested to use it to give their own recitals prior to graduation examinations and City of Derry Choirs and the Western Area Youth Orchestra give frequent concerts and local schools like to have their music concerts and Christmas Carol services with the church.

The spokesman added:

"For the last few years the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne has delighted us with varied programmes which they did again on August 2 this year.

"The first Thursday lunchtime concerts have been revived and many friends of ours have been pleased to share their expertise with varied audiences and young people have been able to sample the thrill of of giving a live perfomance for the first time.

"We are always delighted when people contact us to ask if they can use our church and we hope that there will be many more happy aquaintances made and that we will be able to play a large part in the City of Culture celebrations 2013," concluded the spokesman for the church.