Office of University Communications
Donor provides gift to restore Casavant organ to former glory
Organ recital, lecture to kick-off restoration campaign
Date: January 11, 2007
Contact: Marie Murphree
(417) 836-6740
The donor has pledged up to $50,000 toward the restoration of the Casavant pipe organ housed in Ellis Recital Hall at Missouri State University, matching dollar-for-dollar any donation up to $5,000 made prior to Jan. 31, 2007.
“We are so grateful to have a donor that has taken such a personal interest in this project,” said Marie Murphree, director of development for the College of Arts and Letters (COAL). “This Casavant organ is the only publicly-owned university organ in the state and we hope to see a packed house to hear Jeremy Chesman play and talk about the instrument’s rich history.”
Jeremy Chesman, assistant professor of music at Missouri State University, will present an organ recital at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18 in Ellis Recital Hall, featuring works by J.S. Bach, C.P.E Bach and César Franck. The recital will be followed by a brief lecture concerning the history and restoration of the Casavant organ. The lecture-recital is part of the COAL’s Art in Public Spaces initiative.
According to Chesman, organ has probably been taught at Missouri State since the founding of the music department in 1908. The Casavant was dedicated on April 21, 1960, in a recital by Catherine Crozier. Approximately 300 people attended the concert, which would have filled the Recital Hall. The dedication was accompanied by comments from H. M. Farrar, music department head; and Roy Ellis, president of the university. A reception was hosted by Mu Phi and Phi Mu, two student music organizations that are still active today.
For more information, contact Murphree at (417) 836-6740.