Union awarded grant to show how pipe organs can lead community

RICHMOND, VA (May 16, 2022) – Union Presbyterian Seminary has been awarded a grant to promote a deep understanding of how pipe organs can be used to lead, accompany, and inspire a community to sing.

A $15,000 grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship will be used to host four festival worship services that explore musical and liturgical territory not typically associated with the organ. In particular, these services will feature music of the Black church, global music, and music composed by women.

The award follows the seminary’s successful fundraising campaign to replace and install a state-of-the-art pipe organ in historic Watts Chapel, the first organ to be designed specifically for the 123-year-old worship space.

“The primary objective of purchasing a new pipe organ for Watts Chapel is to show our students that a modern, well-designed pipe organ remains a powerfully vital instrument of the church,” said seminary music director Doug Brown.

Installation of the new organ is expected to begin in August of 2022.

 
High-resolution image. Credit to Union Presbyterian Seminary.

Contact:
Mike Frontiero
Union Presbyterian Seminary
mfrontiero@upsem.edu