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THOMAS MURRAY HONORED BY AGO NATIONAL COUNCIL
Celebration of Brilliant Performer, Teacher, and Friend Raised $30,000 in New Haven, Conn., Benefitting AGO Endowment Fund
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July 22, 2011
NEW YORK CITY — The American Guild of Organists (AGO) presented its eighth annual Recital and Gala Benefit Reception on Sunday, May 15, at Yale University in New Haven, Conn. An estimated audience of 500 colleagues, students, and friends came together to celebrate the lifetime achievements of Thomas Murray on the occasion of his thirtieth anniversary at Yale.
The gala was sponsored by the AGO National Council and its Development Committee. Major funding was provided by the Yale Institute of Sacred Music and Pemcor Inc. of Lancaster, Pa., printer of The American Organist. The event raised $30,000 to be invested in the AGO Endowment Fund in Thomas Murray’s honor.
The recital, which was played by Thomas Murray on the world renowned Newberry Memorial Organ in Woolsey Hall, was introduced by Craig Whitney, New York Times assistant managing editor (retired) and author of All the Stops: The Glorious Pipe Organ and Its American Masters. Professor Murray’s program included Bach’s Toccata in F Major (BWV 540), Sonata II (1937) by Hindemith, selections from Symphony I on Gregorian Themes (1932) by Guy Weitz, and the Symphony in D Minor by Franck, transcribed by Calvin Hampton. A reception, which was attended by 125 individuals, followed in the Yale President’s Room.
Those unable to attend the gala will receive a copy of the souvenir program book with their contribution of $25 or more to the Endowment Fund. Contributions in honor of Thomas Murray can be made online at Agohq.org or by mailing a check to: AGO Endowment Fund, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1260, New York, NY 10115. All gifts will be acknowledged in The American Organist. For information, please call 212-870-2311 (ext. 4308) or e-mail gala@agohq.org.
Established in 1994, the AGO Endowment Fund provides income to expand programs for leadership development among AGO members; educate new organists; and cultivate new audiences for organ and choral music. Tax-deductible contributions to the Endowment Fund are invested in perpetuity to produce continuing income support for essential Guild programs and educational projects.
The AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS is the national professional association serving the organ and choral music fields. Founded in 1896 as both an educational and service organization, it sets and maintains high musical standards and promotes the understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music. The mission of the AGO is to enrich lives through organ and choral music. The Guild currently serves approximately 19,000 members in more than 300 local chapters throughout the United States and abroad. The American Organist Magazine, the official journal of the AGO and the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America, reaches an audience of more than 20,000 readers each month.
This information is submitted by F. Anthony Thurman, Director of Development and Communications at the National Headquarters of the American Guild of Organists and The American Organist Magazine. For further information, please contact Dr. Thurman by TEL (212) 870-2310, FAX (212) 870-2163 or E-MAIL fathurman@agohq.org.
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