Press Release

24 Hours at the Bench (6th edition, 2006)

A Unique Organ Marathon

Friday, June 23 at noon to Saturday, June 24 at noon

Christ Church Cathedral
635 Ste-Catherine St. W., Montréal (McGill metro)

Free admission, voluntary contribution

Information: 514-899-0938 • www.orgueetcouleurs.com

Montréal, Monday, May 29, 2006 — As part of its commitment to provide a unique showcase for organists and increase the accessibility of the organ repertoire, ORGUE ET COULEURS, under the direction of Régis Rousseau, presents a number of free activities every year, including the unique organ marathon 24 Hours at the Bench.

Inspired by the famous automobile endurance race held in Le Mans, France, this original marathon will be held from Friday, June 23 at noon to Saturday, June 24 at noon—the same weekend as the Grand Prix in Montréal. It will be held downtown and will be accessible to all due to a giant screen inside the church and amplified sound outside the church.

For 24 hours, the organ “marathoners,” one after another, will take a seat at the bench to give a continuous 24-hour concert on the Wilhelm organ of the Christ Church Cathedral. Guest musicians will join the organists for brief performances in front of and inside the church.

24 HOURS AT THE BENCH is an entertaining celebration of the organ and an exciting contribution to Montréal’s cultural and “sporting” calendar.

Musicians and detailed schedule to be announced.

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MEDIA RELATIONS: Marie Marais, press officer
514-845-2821 • marais@cooptel.qc.ca

During the summer, starting June 17, 2006, please contact Jean Belzil-Gascon, head of communications at Orgue et couleurs, for information enquiries or interview requests, at 514-899-0644 • info@orgueetcouleurs.com

[7218] News posted Monday, May 29, 2006.