Just arrived at St Philip Presbyterian Church in Houston, where I play the organ: a new single-manual Flemish-style harpsichord, built for St Philip by John Phillips of Berkeley, CA, after a 1768 instrument by Albert Delin of Tournai. The Delin is an exceptionally versatile historical model, appropriate for a wide range of music in solo and ensemble situations. Its decoration, in particular the painted soundboard with its abundant flora and fauna, is entirely in keeping with the Flemish and French traditions of harpsichord building in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Come hear the inaugural program on the instrument, featuring yours truly and violinist Kurt Johnson on Friday, July 27 at 7:30 pm. St Philip is at 4807 San Felipe, Houston 77056.
