Dedicatory concert to feature new Paul Fritts Pipe Organ, noted Vassar faculty musicians

A gala concert on Saturday, May 10, at
8 p.m. will celebrate the rededication and renaming of the Skinner Recital Hall at Vassar College in honor of Mary Anna Fox Martel. In 1890, Ms. Martel received a Diploma of the School of Music at Vassar. The recital hall in the Belle Skinner Hall of Music will be renamed in her memory and in gratitude for funding received from the Marian and Speros Martel Foundation, Inc., of Houston, Texas. The Foundation was responsible for the 2001 installation of air conditioning as well as construction, in 2002, of a replica baroque pipe organ designed, built and installed by the Paul Fritts Company of Seattle, for the recital hall. The Martel Foundation, established in 1955, makes grants to support the arts, education, and human services.

Following remarks by Vassar College President Frances D. Fergusson and Ralph O’Conner of the Martel Foundation, the celebratory concert will feature faculty performers Merellyn Gallagher, organ; John Solum, flute; Linda Quan, violin; Brian Mann, harpsichord; Richard Wilson and Blanca Uribe, pianos; Robert Osborne, baritone; and Michael Pisani, piano. The combined Vassar College choirs and orchestra,
conducted by Eduardo Navega, will perform Beethoven’s “Choral Fantasy” accompanied on piano by Todd Crow, piano.

Additional information about the concert may be obtained by calling
845-437-7294. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Cathy Jennings at 845-437-5370 as far in advance as possible to request appropriate and reasonable accommodations for the event.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Saturday, May 10th, 2003.