Manz Memorial Concert Sunday

Skating rink music will set the scene for the first Memorial Concert honoring the late Leonard Manz, who charmed Newtown Congregational Church members for more than 45 years as church organist.  He played all kinds of keyboard numbers, but got his start as an organist in a roller rink… and Mr Manz sometimes used that music at various church functions during the years.

Mr Manz and his wife, Shirley, were a strong musical team at the church. Shirley preceded her husband in death, but he played on until his own death in September 2004.

The free concert — on Sunday, October 29, at 3 pm, in the sanctuary of the church — will feature all kinds of special music by the Senior Choir, led by Dan Coffman, and by organist Philip Crevier and trumpet player Christopher Benson, a young man who grew up in the church. All music lovers are invited.  There will be a freewill offering.

Choir numbers will include “How lovely is Thy dwelling place” by Johannes Brahms, a John Rutter version of “The Lord is my Shepherd,” Gabriel Faure’s “In Paradisum,” “Deep River” arranged by Roy Ringwald, “My Lord, What a Morning” arranged by Maureen Kelly, and “Ride The Chariot” arranged by William Henry Smith.  

Organ numbers will be Toccata and Fugue in D minor, Adagio in C, O Mensch, Bewein’ Dien Sunde Gross and Fugue in G minor (known as “The Little”) by Bach, Trumpet Air by Telemann, and Epitaphe and Carillon de Longpont by Louis Vierne. 

The concert is planned with the choir and organist in cooperation with the volunteer Music Committee co-chaired by Gale Whitford and Sharon Goodkowsky.

Newtown Congregational Church is at 14 West Street. For more information and directions call the church at 426-9024 or visit NewConChurch.homestead.com.