bi-monthly news

Life at Ascension

December/January 2009

the feast of the nativity

Christmas Eve

Thursday, December 24

• Family Service 5 p.m.
• Music for the Christmas Vigil 10:30 p.m.
• Festival Eucharist 11 p.m.

Christmas Day

Friday, December 25

• Holy Eucharist 11 a.m.

Final Sunday In the Church before the 2010 Restoration

Third Day of Christmas, Sunday, December 27

• Holy Eucharist 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

First Sunday Out of the Church for the 2010 Restoration

Tenth Day of Christmas, Sunday, January 3, 2010

• Holy Eucharist 9 a.m., All Saints' Chapel
• Holy Eucharist 11 a.m., Parish Hall

vestry notes

At its October Meeting the Vestry:

• Learned that Phase 2 construction which is the exterior brownstone repair on the South clerestory, roof repair and gutter replacement is planned to be completed by mid-November.
• Heard the Finance Chair, Mary Gaillard, give an overview of the recent report of the Special Committee on the Diocesan Budget and report that there has been a 20 percent reduction of the diocesan assessment this year.
• Unanimously approved an application to the diocese for a grant in the amount of $10,000 to support electrical work in the church.
• Approved Warden John Grimes as chair, Stephen Hagerty, Ned Fitch and Mary Gaillard as members of the nominating committee for the Vestry elections.

At its November Meeting the Vestry:

• Learned from Fr. Andrew that Fr. Merz and the sexton staff have been working hard to clean the kitchen, replace old cabinets with restaurant style metal shelving and have had the dishwasher repaired.
• Learned from Fr. Mark that Ascension will join with Grace Church for Christmas caroling in the community on December 22nd.
• Learned from Deacon Anne that Ascension will be part of the interfaith worship service at First Presbyterian on Thanksgiving Eve.
• Heard the Finance Chair, Mary Gaillard, report that the November 12th Sealed By The Spirit event was very nice, well attended and brought in new pledges for the campaign.
• Unanimously voted to accept the bid from Preserv to be the general contractor and the bid from Evergreene Studios to do the plastering and painting for the interior restoration of the church.

— Sibyl Piccone, Warden

The Vestry generally meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Meetings are open to the parish and parishioners are welcome, in advance of the meeting, to request time to address vestry.

farewell, dear friend

Goodbye to the Holtkamp organ

During much of the past two years, as plans for the magnificent new Quoirin organ have progressed, I have often found myself playing music on Sundays, thinking, "Wow, this piece is really going to sound incredible on the new organ!" There's no question that, for me, the excitement is building, especially after hearing some of the pipe work already completed in France a few months ago, and after receiving regular photos of the progress by email. A year from now, when we all hear the first few sounds of the organ in our beautifully renovated church, it will be an amazing, once-in-alifetime experience.

But, in the last few weeks, I have to admit I've been struck with sadness and vivid remembrances of events that have taken place with our 1967 Holtkamp organ, an instrument that, in just a few weeks (the Sunday after Christmas), will sound forth for the last time after 43 years of service. What an amazing array of great music has occurred on it over those 43 years!

I recently went through stack after stack of old bulletins and programs to look back and see some of the amazing moments of our Holtkamp's history:

• The organ was dedicated at the 11am Morning Prayer service on Sunday, January 15, 1967. In lieu of the usual sermon, Vernon de Tar (the Organist and Choirmaster from 1939-1981) played a "sermon in music" — organ works from many centuries and nationalities. The choir sang grand anthems. One week later, Vernon played the dedicatory concert.
• In the next months several great organists were heard in recitals, including Robert Baker, André Marchal, Charles Krigbaum, Jack Hennigan, Marilyn Mason and Leonard Raver.
• In the summer of 1967, a precocious 14-year-old organ student from Los Angeles wrote Dr. de Tar, asking permission to play the new organ while he was in New York visiting his grandparents. They had never heard him play the organ, even though he had already been playing seven years. Dr. de Tar said "yes" and the boy was absolutely overwhelmed with the magnificent new organ. The boy was me, and little did I know I would someday end up as the organist here!
• Over the years, many of the world's finest organists played (and gave masterclasses) here, including John Ferris, Preston Rockhold, Allan Birney, Harvey Burgett, Lionel Rogg, John Paul Imbert, Donald Dumler, Will Headlee, Anton Heiller, Martin Neary, Michael Radulescu, Roberta Gary, J. Reilly Lewis, Donald Sutherland, George Ritchie, Herbert Burtis, Mireille Lagacé, Richard Peek, Jon Gillock, David Craighead, Calvin Hampton, Mark Kruczek, Rollin Smith, John Weaver, Harry Huff, Marie-Claire Alain, McNeil Robinson, John Walker, Robert Quade, Richard Heschke, Nicolas Kynaston, Todd Wilson and Marie-Madeleine Duruflé.
• My first New York recital occurred in the summer of 1971 (when I was Assistant Organist here and a freshman at Juilliard.) It was not exactly the kind of debut event I had expected: only four people were in attendance, and one of them was robbed at gunpoint during my Franck Prière. (At the end of the concert I saw two policemen in the north aisle, and thought, "I know I didn't play very well, but is this necessary?")
• In 1972, Vernon de Tar played the Complete Works of Franck in a series of three concerts, each played twice. He was widely regarded as one of the great Franck interpreters of the day.
• In 1974, Jon Gillock played the New York Premiere of Olivier Messiaen's Meditations on the Mystery of the Holy Trinity, one of the greatest masterpieces ever composed for organ. This was followed one year later with the first New York performance of the Complete Organ Works of Messiaen. This series was covered extensively in the press all across the country.
• To celebrate the church's sesquicentennial in 1977, Vernon de Tar made a recording of organ pieces on the Holtkamp organ, called Ascension Voluntaries. We plan to re-release this beautiful recording on CD in the next year. (The only other recording made of the Holtkamp was a 1996 recording on the Jade label — still available - entitled Organ and Harp, which features Jon Gillock and harpist Kathleen Bride. We will have copies of this available in the future as well.)
• In 1981, Vernon de Tar retired after 42 years at Ascension. Over the years I had turned pages for him, my teacher, more times than I could count, and I was there at his last service, turning pages as he ended his magnificent tenure at Ascension. I began September 1, 1981. During my first year, a substantial, totally un-expected bequest appeared and became our Visscher Fund, the proceeds of which go to the maintenance of the organ and the stained glass windows. Since then, the parish has not had to pay one penny from its operating budget for the maintenance of the organ (which in recent years has been substantial!)
• In the early years of the AIDS crisis, one of the great American organists, Calvin Hampton, played his final concert here. Memorial concerts for Leonard Raver and baritone William Parker were also given during that period.
• In 1989, we produced Tribute to Duruflé — The First Complete Retrospective. This festival received national press coverage and the concerts were broadcast all across the US and Canada on public radio. The legendary Marie-Madeleine Duruflé resumed her concert life at this festival, after a fifteen-year hiatus caused by an automobile accident. Four years later, in November, 1993, she played at Ascension what turned out to be her final organ recital.

Amongst all this activity, what were the highlights? For me, I have certain memories I will never forget about this organ which I have known for most of my life and which has been my beloved musical partner for twenty-eight years. I remember clearly the first time I played the instrument (I loved the flutes!), and the first time I heard Vernon play it (Mendelssohn Sonata IV), and, throughout several years, Vernon's inspired hymn-playing (Oh, what hymns!), and when he made his recording, I was there, turning pages, as he played an absolutely ravishing performance of the Andante Sostenuto. I remember a thrilling Pièce Héroïque Mark Kruczek played before one of my early Services of Music, and Calvin's sensitive rendering of a Widor Adagio. And, finally, Jon Gillock's extraordinary Messiaen performances and Mme Duruflé's final concert. For me, when I have been playing, I'll always remember certain passages in certain anthems with my magnificent choir, and, always, always, the wonderful hymn-singing of the Ascension congregation.

Yes, when we start hearing the sounds of the new Quoirin organ next fall, the sounds will be incredible - far beyond what the Holtkamp can offer. And we'll begin a new and extraordinarily exciting chapter in our parish's history. (There might even be another precocious teenager visiting the new organ!) But as we say farewell to this dear old friend, don't be surprised to see me shed a tear or two.

— Dennis Keene

 

Organ Curator to Retire

After over 50 years as the curator of Ascension's organs, our dear friend James McGregor will be retiring after Christmas. On Sunday, December 20 at the 11a.m. service (and at coffee hour) we will be celebrating his amazing contribution to our parish. Be sure to join us for the celebration!

homelessness

"Bsides the Golden Door"

According to the Coalition for the Homeless, newly released data show that for the first time ever, more than 39,00 homeless New Yorkers sleep in municipal shelters each night. That includes more than 10,000 homeless families (with more than 16,500 children), an increase of 12 percent since last year.

And just when you thought things couldn't get worse, Marc L. Greenberg, Executive Director of the Interfaith Assembly, cautions that the temporary suspension of rules established under Governor Pataki may be re-implemented now that the Mayoral election is past. Under these rules shelter residents would not only be charged rent, but also be required to adhere to multiple rules and regulations with non-compliance carrying the threat of 30-day eviction from the shelter and the likely consequence of children being moved to foster care.

And what of the homeless that slip through the cracks? There are an estimated 15 to 20,000 homeless youth in NYC with 20 to 40% of that number identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) with the majority of existing shelters and other care systems not providing safe and effective services for this population. Covenant House, for example, provides more than 60 percent of beds for homeless youth. It is analogous that if an organization's core belief is that homosexuality is wrong, that organization may not respect a client's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Where are they to secure shelter? Since the adult shelters are too dangerous, and there are only two emergency shelters, Sylvia's Place with 10 beds and Street Work's dropin center with 18 down from 30, and but a handful of transitional shelters geared to this population, couch surfing and the streets are all that remain. As pointed out in the New York Times after the murder of Ali Forney, "They are invisible until they get sick, arrested or murdered."

Please take action by writing to the Governor; volunteering at the Homeless Shelter; and donating blankets and coats to Street Work.

—Deacon Anne Auchincloss

special organ program

One of our very own members will be playing a short organ program at St. Mary The Virgin in Manhattan in December. Roger Castellani has been a member of Ascension for 8 years and has often played at our Wednesday even song programs. St. Mary's has one of the finest instruments in the city and the organ program and evensong that follows is not to be missed.

Sunday, December 6, at 4:35 p.m.

Roger Castellani
Organ Concert prior to 5 p.m. Evensong and Postlude
Works by Bach, Mendelssohn, Buxtehude and others
(Free of charge)

St. Mary The Virgin,
145 West 46th Street
New York City

december & january events

Anglican Prayer Beads

Sunday, December 6th 12:45 p.m.
Ground Floor of the Rectory
Since the earliest of times, people have used pebbles or a string of knots or beads on a cord to keep track of prayers offered to God. Virtually every major religious tradition in the world uses some form of prayer beads. Learn more about beads as a form of prayer, contemplation, and see how it can enrich your spiritual life.

Recovery Eucharist

Sunday, December 6th, and
Sunday, January 3rd, at 4:00 p.m.
All Saints' Chapel Ascension's Recovery Eucharist focuses specifically on the brokenness that comes from addiction, both for the afflicted and the affected and the significance of God's gift of love, grace and understanding in the midst of it. Join us for prayers, music and communion.

Annual Christmas Party

Sunday December 13th, after the 11:00 a.m. Eucharist
Parish Hall Join fellow parishioners and the college students for the tree, the food, the Holiday cheer and perhaps a special guest for our Annual Christmas Party.

Christmas Carols

December 22nd, at 6:20 p.m. Meet in the Parish Hall, then we will make our way to Grace Church for rehearsal. We will gather with our neighboring parish, Grace Church, enjoy eggnog and holiday cheer, then go to select homes in Greenwich Village to sing Christmas and other holiday favorites in the community.

January Book Group

Wednesday, January 6th, at 7 p.m.
Parish Hall In the novel, Siddhartha, a young man, leaves his family for a contemplative life, then, restless, discards it for one of the flesh. He conceives a son, but bored and sickened by lust and greed, moves on again. Near despair, Siddhartha comes to a river where he hears a unique sound. This sound signals the true beginning of his life - the beginning of suffering, rejection, peace, and, finally, wisdom. The translation is by Susan Bernofsky, and the book is a Modern Library classic. There is also an introduction by Tom Robbins.

voices 20th anniversary season

Voices of Ascension Chorus & Orchestra

Dennis Keene, Artistic Director and Conductor

Announcing the 20th Anniversary Season

"On Tour in New York"

Four Concerts in Four Exciting Venues

Candlelight Christmas Concert

Tuesday, December 15, 2009, at 8:00 pm
At the Church of the Ascension
Fifth Avenue at Tenth Street

Fauré: Requiem

Thursday, February 4, 2010, at 8:00 pm
At St. James' Church
Madison Avenue at 71st Street
Voices of Ascension Signature Pieces by Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, Bruckner, Holst, Stanford and others

Rossini: Petite Messe Solennelle

With international opera star Jennifer Larmore
Monday, March 22, 2010 at 8:00 pm
At Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center
65th Street and Broadway

The Glory of Palestrina

Missa Papae Marcelli, Offertories, Motets
Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at 8:00 pm
At the Church of St. Mary the Virgin
145 West 46th Street, just east of Times Square

For ticket information call 212-358-7060, or visit www.voicesofascension.org