'Pavarotti of the organ' to play at St John's Beaumont

One of the world's most renowned organists will be giving a concert this weekend in aid of the Dermot Gogarty Memorial Trust. Carlo Curley - known as the Pavarotti of the Organ - will be playing at St John's Beaumont, the Jesuit preparatory school near Windsor where Mr Gogarty was headmaster from 1987 to 2005.

The American organ virtuoso has played before royalty throughout Europe including the Princess Royal, the Danish Royal Family and the late Princess Grace of Monaco. Early in his career, Carlo was invited by the American President to play at the White House, and made history as the first classical organist to give a solo organ recital there. Among his numerous appearances on the BBC have been organ spectaculars from the Cathedrals at Ely, Lichfield, Norwich, Guildford and Gloucester. Recently Classic fm broadcast live his concert at Westminster Abbey, given in aid of the Abbey Choir School and the Royal School of Church Music. Today, he tours the world, having played in every state and province in North America and Canada, as well as Europe, Asia and Australia.

The Dermot Gogarty Memorial Trust (Registered Charity No. 1118617) was set up following the death of Mr Gogarty in a car accident in November 2005. Its objectives are the advancement of education and religion and the promotion amongst young people of citizenship and civic responsibility, particularly by funding the development of community action programmes among pupils and former pupils of St John's Beaumont.

The organi recital by Carlo Curley in aid of the Dermot Gogarty Memorial Trust will take place in the school chapel this Saturday (10 January) from 7.30pm. Tickets are £12 each (which includes interval refreshments) and can be obtained by contacting the Headmaster's Secretary on 01784-494012.