Arklow church to host summer concert in aid of historic organ restoration

The first of many events to fund the refurbishment of the stunning 145-year-old organ, the enchanting evening will star the supremely talented Suantrai Female Vocal Ensemble in their debut Arklow concert.

The highly-anticipated concert will feature not one but two Riverdance soloists – Avril O’ Toole and Sara Clancy (directing) – who will join special guests Cian Dwyer (violin), John Bonner (organ), Hilda Browne, Emily Kavanagh and Caoimhe Browne (harp) in singing their hearts to preserve the cherished piece of local history.

Builder of the Arklow organ in 1878, John Patrick White (1834-1918), was the eldest son of John White senior (c.1809-1859), an organ builder and organist who established his business in 1844.

He built stunning church organs – including large instruments for Enniscorthy Cathedral, Our Lady of Refuge Rathmines, Carmelite Church Whitefriar St. and St. Paul’s, Arran Quay – and his reputation would have been far greater had he not died tragically in his sleep at the age of 50.

John Patrick inherited the family business and became a highly regarded builder, voicer of pipes, organist and choir director. While many of his instruments have since been modified, replaced or removed for various reasons (including the closure of churches), he built them for St. Peter’s Church Drogheda, Westland Row, Ballina Cathedral, two for Dublin’s Pro-Cathedral and a large organ for Gardiner St. Church.

Suantrai’s Summer Concert will take place in Sts. Mary & Peter Church in Arklow on Friday, May 26 at 7.30 p.m.

Tickets are €15.00 and can be purchased via the link listed below, or from the parish office, with all proceeds made on the night going directly to the church’s organ restoration appeal.

Book now at www.gr8events.ie/sales/index.php?event=1343