Don’t miss Christmas Concert at St Paul’s

Renowned organist, pianist to delight

St Paul’s Church in Port Alfred will once again be sharing its beautiful space, unique Boat Races organ and excellent acoustics with the community in a special Christmas Concert on Saturday December 9.

The concert, at 3pm, will feature renowned organist Prof Albert Troskie and pianist Dr Erica Bothma in what promises to be a joyful celebration filled with lovely Christmas instrumental items and favourite carols.

Earlier this year, on June 11, St Paul’s Anglican Church in Ferndale Road was packed to capacity for the inauguration of Port Alfred’s only pipe organ – dubbed The Boat Race Organ because it was donated by a patron of the annual event.

The community still talks about that great celebration for the people of the town featuring Troskie and Bothma.

Rector Jacques Pieterse said: “The parishioners of St Paul’s are of one mind that this special instrument was erected for the community of Port Alfred and surrounding areas for communal worship and joy. It is with this in mind that tickets are available from KNA.”

The R100 ticket price includes traditional fruit mince pies and something to warm the spirit afterwards.

“The community is invited to come and share in this wonderful Christmas celebration,” Pieterse said. “Please note that seating is limited and so it’s important to book.”

Troskie and Bothma will also be accompanying the church service on December 10, at 8.30am.

Troskie is the former head of Nelson Mandela University’s (NMU) music department. He is an organist, choir conductor, and author. He has designed many pipe organs for churches, including those in the Summerstrand Church (largest tracker action church organ in SA) and in the Feather Market Centre (largest organ case in SA).

Bothma is a senior lecturer in piano at NMU. She has played in many solo recitals and concerts with international artists. She is a violinist in the East Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and president of the Port Elizabeth Music Society.