DAVID Osborne was back in Orange this week to familiarise himself with the magnificent pipe organ at Holy Trinity Church which he learned to play as a boy.
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Mr Osborne, who is now the director of music at St John's Anglican Church at Parramatta, will be featured during Holy Trinity's 150th celebrations next month, giving a celebratory recital on the 100-year-old organ at the church on May 21.
He was first taught the rudiments of playing an organ by former minister at the church Gordon Smee, while he was learning piano from one of the Sisters of Mercy.
"After that I was pretty much left to my own resources," he said.
After leaving Orange and living overseas for two years he returned to Australia and lived in Sydney where he pursued his career in the insurance industry.
Gradually however his interest in music expanded into many areas of his life and after a long connection with St John's he became the organist and director of music.
He also tutors in piano and teaches at a nearby Anglican school in Sydney.
Mr Osborne said he is delighted to be part of Holy Trinity's celebrations.
"I was a parishioner here and I sung in the choir as well as a boy, and I have particularly chosen music which celebrates this important occasion," he said.
Organisers of the Holy Trinity 150th birthday celebration have been working for several months on a weekend of reunions and events centred around Orange's oldest church.
A committee headed by parishioner Bill Marshall has planned a reunion luncheon for the Orange Ex-Services Club on Sunday, May 22. Jackie Shields and soprano Helen Barnett will provide the musical entertainment at the reunion luncheon.
Tickets are $25 and available from the Parish office at Holy Trinity.