Neighbor News
Saint Edmund's Episcopal Church adds a harpsichord to their music program
We are excited to add a harpsichord to our music program which includes a talented organist, choir director, adult choir and bell choir!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10 July 2017
Mike Harrigian, Communications
Jennifer Sherry, Communications
Find out what's happening in San Marinofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Saint Edmund’s Episcopal Church
(626) 793-9167
Find out what's happening in San Marinofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
communications@saintedmunds.org
St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church Receives Harpsichord Donation
Instrument Donated by Parishioners Tom and Jane Glover Enhances Church Music Program
San Marino, CA: The unmistakable sound of the Harpsichord greeted parishioners at a recent 10:00 AM service at St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church. The unveiling and dedication of the instrument donated by long-time parishioners Tom and Jane Glover marked an expansion of the music program at St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church which, under the direction of Music Director Robert Hovencamp, is noted for its fine choral offerings, traditional organ pieces played on the restored Aeolian Skinner Organ, and seasonal bell choir. At the conclusion of the service, Hovencamp commented, “This is a welcome addition to the program, and we are most grateful to Tom and Jane for this gift. The harpsichord will enable us to explore early music styles, will benefit St. Edmund's in acquiring chamber ensembles for concerts, and will enhance the quality of music presentation at St. Edmund’s for years to come.”
In 1965, Tom Glover commissioned premiere harpsichord craftsman Kurt Sperrhake of Passau, Germany to build an instrument to Tom’s specifications. The harpsichord took six months to manufacture, and was one of approximately 600 instruments created by Sperrhake from 1948 until his retirement in 1968. Along with the unique black keys, the single keyboard, two-voice harpsichord was built with a reinforced sound board to take the dry climate of southern California. Through the succeeding years, the instrument was played in the Glover home and was also used in numerous concerts of Pasadena Pro Musica as well as other ensembles.
The harpsichord is a plucked string instrument that requires frequent tuning, and the Glovers’ use was growing less frequent. After hearing Rob Hovencamp skillfully play the harpsichord at the church, Tom stated “hearing it played again at St. Edmund’s was a thrill, and we look forward to many more such occasions.”
Saint Edmund’s Episcopal Church is focused on receiving and sharing God’s accepting Grace, challenging Wisdom and Transforming Love. We strive to “walk the talk” through efforts with our local & global partnerships. We are located at 1175 S. San Gabriel Boulevard, San Marino.