Music with the Master piano concert to benefit Trinity Pipe Organ Restoration Fund

Published 12:20 pm Thursday, November 30, 2023

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NATCHEZ — Music with the Master piano concert at Trinity Church is Thursday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. It will feature internationally acclaimed musical virtuoso Thomas “Tom” Jaber.

Selections will be popular, classical and sacred music.

Following the concert is a reception at the historic mansion Rip Rap, 411 S. Rankin St., home of Trinity member Dan Hays-Clark.

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Tickets for the evening’s concert and reception are $30. Proceeds benefit Trinity’s Pipe Organ Restoration Fund.

Jaber, a Natchez native, holds three degrees in music, including one from the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia.

Since 1988, Jaber has been professor of music and Director of Choral Activities at The Shepherd School of Music, Rice University, Houston.

He has performed at major venues around the globe, including a two-month European tour in the summer of 2023.

Concert tickets are for sale online at www.trinitynatchez.org, can be obtained by sending a check to Trinity Church concert, 305 S. Commerce St., Natchez, MS 39120 or at the door Dec. 7.

“I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to Trinity Episcopal Church of Natchez for inviting me to present a piano concert for the exclusive benefit of the church’s pipe organ restoration fund,” Jaber said.

“Special thanks for the invitation go to the Trinity pipe organ restoration fund

committee and Father Ken Ritter,” he said. “Trinity’s pipe organ is well worthy of this cause. The fact that the organ continues to be used as an instrument of worship for not only Trinity Church but also for the City of Natchez is a testament to the musical talent and passion of Trinity’s organist, Dr. Patrick

Doherty, and Director of Music, Dr. Byron Johnson.

“I am humbled,” Jaber said. “I am also honored to help. I very much look forward to

visiting with my many friends at Trinity and in Natchez.”

The campaign to fund the pipe organ restoration work is to be expected, according to music expert Jeanie Lanneau, member of Trinity’s choir and former organist at First Presbyterian Church in Natchez.

“Just like in a home, things wear out and must be repaired or replaced. We are lucky

that Trinity’s organist, Dr. Patrick Doherty, can make the organ sound as good as he does,” she said. “But doing that can’t last. Organ restoration work must be addressed right away.”