Christchurch Organists' Association

Christchurch Organists' Association

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 ABOUT THE CHRISTCHURCH ORGANISTS' ASSOCIATION

The Christchurch Association (COA) is one of the oldest organists' groups in New Zealand. Its 60-70 members currently live in locations extending from Christchurch to Blenheim and Timaru (and one in Australia).

COA members have traditionally been active in leadership roles within the New Zealand association.

As a legacy of its very active organ building past, the city has the largest number of pipe organs of any region in New Zealand and is fortunate in having a large range of historic and new instruments including the largest two of the three Rieger Organs in New Zealand. (One of these is at the Christchurch Town Hall, whose excellent web site is well worth visiting – www.nzorgan.com .)

One notable historic instrument is at the St John of God Chapel at Halswell which is the result of the COA  sponsoring the huge project of restoring and installing one of Arthur Hobday’s largest instruments which it then gifted to the chapel This wonderful building with its magnificent stained glass windows and acoustics make it a fine venue to visit as well as for performance and recordings. (A DVD is available featuring this chapel and organ and other National Organists’ Congress 2007 highlights).

We support all of the aims and intents of our parent ORGANZ and especially encourage development of a love for the organ and its music to all ages and peoples. Public recitals and membership evenings are actively supported and we extend a welcome and friendship to any visitors, worldwide.

President: Mr. Grant Bartley Phone 03 338 1913

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Minute Secretary and website contact: Dr Peter Harty,

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NZAO Councilor: Mr. Lennox Willett Phone 03 332 5804

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