What is an 'Organathon'? It's an organ marathon. Brewood Parish Church, Saint Mary and Saint Chad, has an electrically-operated pipe organ which is in need of major maintenance. A fund-raising programme is currently under way. As part of this programme, the Church's Director of Music, Jean Martyn, performed a 12-hour organ marathon on Thursday 14th August 2008. She played both the church organ and her own electronic organ which she uses for commercial concerts at various venues around the country.
The Organathon was divided into different music styles:- Big Band Era, Childrens' Hour, Classical, 60s Juke Box Jury, Music from the Movies, Ivor Novello and Opera, Classic FM, Music of the 20s-30s-40s, Requests and Dedications, Blackpool, Favourites, Grand Finale Concert. There was a wonderful atmosphere in the church with plenty of audience partcipation on the familiar numbers. Refreshments were provided so that visitors were able to stay for as long as they were able and children were welcome.
The video clip below shows Jean Martyn playing 'Oh I do like to be beside the seaside' on the church organ. Everybody rated the day a great success and thanks are due to all those involved in the organisation of this unusual event, particularly to Jean Martyn herself, who demonstrated not only her musicianship but also her stamina!
