University sells organ, kills classes
mainThe Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford will graduate its last organ student this month.
It has sold the pipe organ to a church on Long Island.
Declining interest, perhaps. But why sell the organ? Some day, some student might need it.
The First United Methodist Church of Babylon, NY got a wonderful instrument that will be used every week (and then some) in its worship and music ministry. Good move on the part of both institutions.
I heard Hartt’s Gress-Miles frequently as a student – it is a versatile instrument that matched well with its medium-sized but very reverberant performance space. I’m saddened to see my alma mater’s organ program terminated, especially after having yielded several world-class players, including the phenomenal RenĂ©e Anne Louprette.
Why sell the organ? Good question! Because Hartford is a stupid town, the town that doesn’t get it!
When you and Harry left town, the musical IQ dropped by about 50%.