(From left) Leonard, Matthew, Hannah, De Costa, Jason and Cheah make up the group of musicians bringing to life the sounds of the pipe organ (background). — Courtesy photo
THE Church of the Assumption in Lebuh Farquhar hosted a magnificent pipe organ recital as part of the George Town Festival 2024 in Penang.
Held at the church’s choir loft, the show wowed the audience as the pipe organists led by Leonard Selva Gurunathan displayed talent and expertise on the majestic instrument.
The other musicians were Matthew Arwinraj Jaya Paul, Daniel Joel De Costa, Victor Cheah Eu Jin, Jason William and Hannah Thoraisingam.
Church of the Assumption is the third oldest Roman Catholic church in the country, after St Peter’s Church (built in 1710) and St Francis Xavier’s Church (constructed in 1856) – both in Melaka.
It is also the home to the country’s oldest pipe organ, which is affectionately called “The Old Lady.”
Parish priest Rev Father Edmund Voon said the church was honoured to host Leonard, who is the church’s resident organist, and the young musicians for the incredible recital.
“Their talent and passion for the pipe organ is truly remarkable. We are thrilled to share their music with the community,” he said.
The recital featured a diverse selection of classical and local pieces showcasing the range and power of the organ.
From hauntingly beautiful melodies to thunderous crescendos, the musicians kept the audience captivated.
Timeless classics from the sons of Penang like the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee, Jimmy Boyle, Edwin Rajamoney and Tan Sri Ahmad Merican filled the air of the 238-year-old church in the Unesco World Heritage Zone in George Town.
Attendees were thrilled to witness the skilled musicians in action and many remarked on the breathtaking acoustics of the heritage church’s sanctuary.
The pipe organ was built in England in 1914 by Morton and Moody of Oakham, England, and set up in the church two years later by Robinson Piano Co Ltd.
Made of oak, pine and mahogany, the instrument boasts 640 lead and zinc pipes.
