A group of Taranaki's most accomplished musicians will perform a special concert at Wesley Methodist Church, Regent St, Hawera, at 2pm Saturday October 16 in support of the intended restoration of the church's significant historic Alfred Brake organ. This unspoiled instrument is the finest example of the work of the Taranaki based craftsman who constructed several pipe organs. It utilises imported pipework from Germany and has a unique sound for a New Zealand organ. In 2008 the NZ Organ Preservation Trust awarded the instrument an A+++ heritage certificate, the first pipe organ to be so awarded in New Zealand.

The performers at the concert will include the Taranaki Cathedral Chamber Choir (the region's newest classical choral ensemble), Simon Mace (Taranaki Cathedral Organ Scholar), Margaret McConachie (an accomplished cellist based in New Plymouth), Margaret Thompson (Head of Music at St. Mary's Diocesan School, Stratford) and her talented daughter Cecily, who recently won several awards in the Hawera Performing Arts Competition. In memory of Dr. Allan Thomas, formerly Senior Lecturer in Ethnomusicology at Victoria University, the musicians will perform a hymn from the former Methodist Hymn Book in the style of a 1946 recording of the Hawera Methodist Church Choir. This recording was transferred to a CD as part of Allan's published research into the music of Hawera. There will also be an opportunity for audience hymn singing.  Admission is by programme at the door - $15.00 & $10.00 concession for students and senior citizens. Complimentary afternoon tea will follow.