Athlone resident to host organ recital in St Mary's Church

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Athlone resident Yonatan McDermott will give his first-ever solo organ recital in St Mary's Church this Saturday, August 30, starting at 5pm.

The 20-year-old, who was born in Guatemala and adopted by Irish parents as an infant, discovered his love of the organ while spending two years in formation (training) for the priesthood.

"It didn't work out, but I did gain this wonderful talent," he said. "This is my first solo recital. I’ve been playing the organ for about three years now, mostly for religious ceremonies."

The idea for the concert was sparked earlier this year when St Mary's parishioner and Retreat Road resident Flan Barnwell happened to hear Yonatan practising on the church's pipe organ.

"He was marvelling that he'd never heard the pipe organ being played there before and said people needed to hear it more because it’s a beautiful sound. He encouraged me to do a recital, and with the support of Fr Pat Murphy (St Mary's Parish administrator), we made it happen."

In addition to preparing for the concert, Yonatan is part of Majestic Pipes, a YouTube channel run by a group of young Irish organists who aim to reignite interest in the instrument.

"I love organ music and the sound of the organ. Our mission is to bring organ music back to Ireland, because it’s a dying profession here, unlike in England, France, or Spain.

"For me, organ music adds to the beauty of the liturgy in the church. But it’s also one of the most complex and daring instruments. It can sound like a violin, a trumpet, or an oboe. When you put all those sounds together, you can create something that sounds out of this world."

Looking ahead to the big day of the recital, Yonatan admitted to feeling "a mix of emotions".

"I'm nervous and excited, it's a mixture really. But it's also going to help me get a name out for myself as an organist."

Yonatan, who hopes to pursue a diploma in organ music later this year, said this first solo concert is only the beginning. "I've always wanted to do a recital, but never really had the encouragement before. This time I’ve had great support, so I decided to go for it.

"I'd like to thank Fr Pat for allowing me to host the recital at his church, and Flan as well for encouraging me and pushing me forward with this idea."

Tickets for the recital cost €5 and will be available at the door on the day.