For Immediate Release: Jan. 17, 2005 Contact: Nora Howard, 678-1043

Avon, CT. --- The 175th Anniversary Committee of Avon and Avon Old Farms School announce an organ concert on Sunday, April 3, 2005, at 3:00 P.M. The concert will take place in the historic chapel on the campus of Avon Old Farms School, at 500 Old Farms Road, Avon. The concert is free and open to the public, as Avon Old Farms School’s contribution to Avon’s 175th anniversary year.

Performing will be Avon resident Ezequiel Menendez, Director of Music since 1998 at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford. A native of Argentina, he graduated from the Conservatorio Gilardo Gilardi in Argentina as Professor Superior de Organo. In 1992 he received his Master of Music degree from Yale University under the tutelage of Thomas Murray.

He is currently enrolled in the doctoral program at Boston University in Organ Performance, and is studying with noted organ teacher and recitalist, James David Christie. Prior to his appointment at the Cathedral, Mr. Menendez served as Director of Music at St. Ann’s Church in Avon (1992-1989) and was Organist at St. Thomas More Chapel, Yale University (1990-1992). As consultant for the Archidiocese of Hartford, he advises many parishes regarding their musical concerns. He is an ardent proponent of the pipe organ, and advises parishes in the acquisition of new or used pipe organs. An active recitalist, he has concertized in Europe and the Americas. He has been a guest lecturer and played for the national conventions of the American Guild of Organists, the Organ Historical society, and the National Convention of Cathedral Musicians. His latest recordings include “French Music at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph,” and “Ezequiel

Menendez, LIVE,” featuring Pre-Bach music recorded at Holy Cross College. Mr. Menendez lives in Avon with his wife, Mercedes Featherston, and their four children.

Although the concert is free, space is limited. Those wishing to attend are asked to contact Nora Howard at 678-1043 (oakeshoward@aol.com) to reserve their places, or for more information. Reservations will be taken by phone or email on a first-come, first-served basis. Your name will be held at the door. No seating will be available at the door. The concert is expected to last about 45 minutes. Parking is available behind the Jennings-Fairchild Rink, and beside the Baxter Library. Guests may also be dropped off by the chapel door.

The concert will be followed by a reception of punch and cookies in the adjacent Ordway Gallery, located inside the school’s original water tower. On display will be vintage photographs of Avon. Guests are cordially invited to meander the school grounds before or after the event.

Avon Old Farms School opened in 1927. Architect and Farmington resident Theodate Pope Riddle had purchased the land, formerly known as the Old Farms properties, in the early 1900s. By 1919, her architectural plans were complete, and in 1921 the schools’ construction began. Her dream had been to build “an indestructible school for boys.” Using red sandstone quarried from the School grounds, she modeled the campus after a 16th-century Cotswold village. Today, 380 young men in grades 9 – 12 and post-graduate attend the school. They come from Avon, 20 states, and 12 foreign countries.

The concert will be held in the Chapel, which was originally a carpenter shop during the School’s construction. Students attend morning meetings in the chapel two times a week, to hear talks delivered by the faculty or members of the senior class. Nondenominational vespers services are held Sunday evenings.

For further information about Avon Old Farms School view www.avonoldfarms.com. The web site for the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford is www.cathedralofsaintjoseph.com. The site for Avon’s 175th anniversary events is www.AvonCT.US