OrganFax

Byron Jones is pleased to announce that the New Wersi Scala he ordered some 30 days ago was delivered last Thursday 12th June. The specification of this new design is superb and the latest technology a wiz, and to think the delivery time was so quick proves that Wersi have at last got their act together.

On a sadder note, Byron would like to let all his fans know that Melody, who we have had for a wonderful 12 1/2 years, had a massive tumour and went downhill fast this last week, and has been put to rest with many tears on Saturday 14th June.

Terry & Byron

Yamaha Club's annual get-together at Alvaston Hall will be held at the start of December 2008 and we hope you will join us in our very own 'Winter Wonderland' of keyboard music as we begin to celebrate the festive season.

UK Yamaha artists James Sargeant and Richard Bower are already booked to appear - and they will be joined for a very special concert by Yamaha's top European performer, Peter Baartmans.

Workshops and tutorials will be hosted throughout the weekend by, amongst others, London College of Music examiner Janet Dowsett and Yamaha's technical 'guru' Steve Marsden. The workshops at Alvaston are always light-hearted but very informative and they are always enthusiastically supported.

As this year's event falls at the beginning of December we're hosting a Christmas Party night with, of course, a visit from Santa and a slightly 'different' programme. Organist Howard Beaumont will be taking us back to the golden years of the cinema with a charming portrayal of the days when theatre organ music accompanied silent films and, as the popularity of 'Entertainer' keyboards continues to flourish in cabaret venues around the world, this is acknowledged as Glyn Madden brings his 'Clavinova Cabaret' to Alvaston.

Book your place...
Accommodation for the weekend ranges from £245 per person and you can book your place by calling Sceptre Promotions on 01780 782093.

Alvaston Hall
Alvaston is a half-timbered Victorian country house five minutes from the old Cheshire riverside town of Nantwich. Close to the splendid cathedral city of Chester, just 10 minutes from the restful Water Gardens at Stapely, this wonderful hotel promises a truly memorable experience.

The world famous American Concert Organist Carlo Curley will be appearing at St. Anne's Church on Kew Green on Saturday 21st June at 8pm. He will be playing an Allen Renaissance R350 Digital Computer Organ in full view of the audience.

The full address details of the concert are:

St. Anne's Church,
Kew Green,
Richmond,
Surrey,
TW9 3AA
Website

Organised by The Friends of St. Anne's Church, Kew, tickets are unreserved at the door on the night from 7pm, priced £15 and £10. If purchased in advance tickets will be £12.50 and £8 For ticket enquires, telephone 020 8942 2801 or e-mail anne.barker@talktalk.net

Wine and soft drinks available from 7pm and during the interval.

Limited car parking available in small church car park but parking spaces available in the evening around Kew Green.

Nearest Overland train service: Kew Bridge (from Waterloo) then a 5 minute walk across Kew Bridge Nearest Underground service: Kew Gardens (District Line) and then a 10 minute walk. Nearest buses route numbers: 65 and 391 stop nearby, 237 & 267 and then a walk across Kew Bridge.

If you are a Wersi organ owner, and you want to find out how to get the most out of your instrument, WOW is for you. This special Wersi Owners Weekend will allow you learn all about your instrument from the experts. Brett Wales, Daniel Watt, Alan Ellis from Harmony Music will all be on hand to give you help and advice as well as offering a wide range of music books and accessories. The Vale of Belvoir is a beautiful country hotel set in Grantham, Nottingham offering friendly cosy accommodation and delicious home made food making it a perfect choice in which to hold this special event.

Single Room: £135.00 (1 guest fully inclusive)
Double Room £180.00 (2 guests fully inclusive)

Please note: This event is limited to 60 guests ONLY - so hurry, we are certain that this event will be a complete sell out.

Saturday 25th October
10.00 am Upon arrival you will be shown to your hotel suite where you can leave your cases
10.30am Drinks in the bar with all guests and players
11.30am Welcome from the team and first tutorial
1.00pm Informal chat and top tips with Brett Wales
3.00pm Theatre and orchestra voicing tutorial
4.00pm Afternoon coffee and guests take to the stage
6.00pm 3 Course evening dinner in hotel restaurant
7.30pm Evening Concerts
10.30pm - Falsenkeller fun in the bar until early hours

Sunday 26th
Full English breakfast in restaurant
10.30am Registration techniques and settings with Brett Wales
11.30am Technical tips and advice
12.30pm Upgrading hardware and learning the inside of your instrument
1.00pm Afternoon concert
3.00pm Have a safe journey home

So, if you would like to book for this very special event, you need to hurry as we are limiting numbers to just 60 to ensure that all guests receive a one to one experience with the leading Wersi specialists in the UK. A full interactive DVD of the weekend will be available and if you book before the end of June you will receive a limited edition signed CD featuring music from top Wersi organists.

For further information please call: 0800 023 7943

The Association of Organ Enthusiasts is holding its Members Summer Special, at the Ramada Hotel & Resort at Bewdley near Kidderminster, in the heart of rural Worcestershire, commencing on Monday 30th June. The residential event, our twelfth at this venue, which runs for five days, is primarily a get-together for members and has been sold out for some time, but there is ample capacity for day visitors, members or non-members, at a cost of just £5 per day which includes all sessions.

Artistes featured are Chiho Sunamoto, Jon Smith, Richard Bower, Ian Griffin, Matthew Bason, David Ingley, Kevin Morgan, Byron Jones and Chris Powell, and courtesy of Alan Ellis of Harmony Music, there will be product demonstrations on Korg instruments by John Pacey and Paul Thirkettle.

The hotel is set in over 20 acres, located just one mile from the picturesque riverside village of Bewdley, in the heart of rural Worcestershire. The whole area is surrounded by spectacular countryside with the Cotswolds, Malvern, and Clent Hills all within an hours drive. The West Midlands Safari Park and Bewdley Station on the Severn Valley Steam Railway are also located within a mile of the hotel.

For visitors planning to spend the whole day with us, the hotel does a good selection of bar snacks, and at additional cost, arrangements can be made for visitors to join the residents for the evening meal.

For further details please contact George Ingley by telephone on 01384 274500 or via Email at aoe55g-chairman@yahoo.co.uk

Brett Wales has become renowned as one of the most popular entertainers on the organ circuit. As part of our regular 'spotlight' feature, we find out a bit more about Brett, his life and music. Read the full article by going to the spotlight section of the site or click here.

Roland is pleased to announce the new AT- 900/AT-900C/AT-800 organs. Embodying Roland's world-leading technology, MUSIC ATELIER organs inherit the full, rich sounds and elegant design of a traditional organ combined with the most expressive and advanced digital-organ features.

With a new Articulation Voice sound set, driven by Roland's new proprietary SuperNATURAL technology, the AT-series breathes unprecedented sound into the Violin, Trombone, Cello, and Tenor Sax voices, while new physical Harmonic Bars provide authentic, hands-on control of expressive organ-playing with new organ tone sets. The DBEAM controller lets you wave your hand over the invisible infrared beam to alter the sound for greater freedom of expression. To make operation even easier, all models feature a large colour touch-panel LCD. With an USB memory key, a high degree of data compatibility ensures that registrations can be exchanged between different models and even from floppy disks.

The flagship AT-900 offers the stately beauty of an impeccably-crafted organ console. Crafted in America from seasoned natural wood, this organ is the genuine article.

The AT-900C is similarly gorgeous and stately, but this smaller unit is portable enough to be taken on the road. The contemporary, streamlined cabinet design combines an elegant polished cherry finish with eye-catching silver accents. Specially equipped XLR outputs facilitate professional setups for concert performances.

The AT-800 model offers a beautifully-crafted cabinet finished in natural wood, a softly lit control panel and an advanced sound source. AT-800 ATELIER organ provides an outstanding organ playing experience at an affordable price.

Options include the BNC-23 (for AT-900C) or BNC-27-WN (for AT-800) organ benches, the PK-25A (for AT-900C) 25-key pedal board, PK-7A (for AT-900C), SA-1000 Stage Amplifier for recitals and concerts in small-to-large halls, RH-300 headphones, and much more.

Experience the true sound and touch of a grand piano with Roland's flagship HP207e, housed in an exquisite polished-ebony cabinet. The gorgeous polished-ebony finish exudes class, complementing the peerless sound and touch. The excellence of its finish rivals leading European acoustic pianos in both beauty and quality, adding elegance to any setting.

The HP207E features a world-class 88-key concert grand piano sound, with individual multi-samples for every key. It is touch responsive to the subtlest pressure and nuance — from the deepest, most powerful bass to the most delicate high notes.

For the most authentic keyboard feel, the HP207e features Roland's acclaimed PHA II (Progressive Hammer Action II) keyboard with Escapement and Ivory Feel keys, yielding a heavier touch in the lower range and lighter touch in the upper. It also provides lighter resistance for pianissimo passages and stronger resistance for fortissimo.

The HP207e also contains tools to help the pianist improve, such as a built-in metronome, a digital recorder, and a Twin-Piano mode that's perfect for side-by-side lessons with a teacher. Songs and audio files (WAV format) can be easily imported from CD and the Centre Cancel feature can be used to minimise the pre-recorded vocals, as well as Pitch Change to transpose the key. Standard MIDI Files and WAV files can be imported via USB memory stick and the HP207e is even equipped with an audio input, allowing the pianist to play along with any MP3 player.

The Piano Designer feature allows customisation of the piano sound to suit the player's personal taste. Fine adjustments, with visual confirmation from graphic LCD display, deliver extensive control over piano resonance or different lid positioning. Favourite settings can be saved for instant recall.

Finally, the HP207e employs a unique audio system that allows diffused Omni directional sound emission, which is quite unlike traditional direct-emitting loudspeakers. The player and the listener perceive the sound just as they would from a real acoustic grand piano, without a precise localisation of the sound source.

The long-awaited news is announced that a new steam and organ museum is due to open its doors to the public this June. Based at the Flower of May Holiday Park at Lebberston, just south of Scarborough, "The Scarborough Fair Collection" is the brainchild of enthusiast - Graham Atkinson, who has built up one of the largest and finest collections of steam Showman's Engines and Mechanical Organs in the UK.

Instruments by such famous names as Gavioli, Ruth, Marenghi, Decap and Mortier form only a part of the large collection to be seen on display. Several gleaming Showman's Engines, including "The Iron Maiden", regarded by many to be the world's most famous traction engine and star of the 1960's film of the same name is one of the major attractions at the new purpose-built venue. At The Scarborough Fair Collection, it's not the sight and sound of just one but TWO "Mighty" Wurlitzer organs that will be featured during Sunday open days and weekly Wednesday afternoon tea dances, played by ex Tower Ballroom, Blackpool Organist - Kevin Grunill.

Graham Atkinson anticipates that the collection will attract visitors from far and wide. "We've already had hundreds of enquiries from people asking when the new attraction is going to open and after several years of hard work by all those involved in this mammoth project, I'm pleased to be able to announce that the new complex will be open from Saturday 21st June", Graham said. To celebrate the official opening of the venue, two special events have been arranged to take place this June.

A Gala Opening Concert, featuring both Wurlitzer organs will take place on Saturday 21st June at 2.30pm (Doors open at 1pm). The concert will feature the new venue's Resident Organist - Kevin Grunill, who will be joined by Andrew Nix and Nigel Odgen - presenter of BBC Radio 2's "The Organist Entertains". Tickets are priced at £8.50.

On Sunday 22nd June, visitors will be able to see and hear the rest of the collection. The mechanical organs in the collection are to be played and visitors will also be able to enjoy a ride on the "Golden Galloping Horses". Both Wurlitzer organs will be presented by Kevin Grunill and the open day proves to be fun for all the family. Open Day 11am-5pm. Admission £6.50. (Under 12's £3.00). Dancer's will be able to trip the "Light-fantastic" every Wednesday from 25th June. 1pm-4pm (Doors open 12.00). Admission £4.95 and £3.00 (under 12's).

Regular Sunday Open Days will take place every Sunday from June 29th (except 3rd, 24th&31st August). Opening times are 11am-5pm. Admission £5.50. (under 12's - £3.00).

Tickets can be purchased in advance for both the opening weekend events by telephoning 01723 586698.

The Scarborough Fair Collection. Flower of May Holiday Park. Lebberston, Scarborough. North Yorkshire. YO11 3NU.

(01723) 586698

Email scarboroughfaircollection@yahoo.co.uk

Many of you will know that Michael Wooldridge, one of the UK's most popular organ artists, also gets actively involved with many stage shows and other events. He now writes to tell us of some exciting news...

"My show production partnership, www.ThatsEntertainmentProductions.co.uk is thrilled to have secured a summer season at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne, every Tuesday and Wednesday for 24 weeks from 13th May to 15th October, with "The Return of The Minstrels in Those Variety Days". The show features three of the original stars from the wonderful George Mitchell Black and White Minstrel Show, with original glittering tailcoats and toppers, their special guest star, Supersonic Syd Little, magic and mystery with The Illusionistics, The Minstrel Maids, The Hippodrome Dancers and a live band, which includes myself or my deputy, Chris Stanbury, at the helm of a Yamaha EL700. It is a very happy, lively and colourful show. Tickets are on sale now on 01323 412 000."

This show certainly shouldn't be missed. Also on a more personal note, Michael writes...

"Despite all of my very varied work in the theatre world, we are also programming the entire season for the historic North Pier Theatre in Blackpool, I am still very much enjoying my many concerts around the country for organ clubs and societies and look forward to seeing friends old and new at them over years to come."

Michael Wooldridge's website has been completely overhauled, take a look and visit: www.MichaelWooldridge.co.uk.

Taunton And Wellington Keyboard Club will host an evening with the latest series of Roland's famed Ateleir Organs on the 24th of April. The event is supported by Swift Music and Roland UK

The Atelier evening, which takes place after the clubs's AGM, will be presented by Ian House in two parts, a demonstration and a concert.

More details of the club can be found on their website.

Recently we were informed that the first video of KeyKlix (Ian Griffin and Richard Bower) has been posted on YouTube. Take a look below...

The Lyme Bay Keyboard Experience is moving from Seaton in Devon to The Sand Bay Leisure Resort, Weston-Super-Mare, in October 2009 with the same production team.

The means that next October's keyboard event at Lyme Bay will be the last one to be held there.

Enthusiasts who have booked for the Lyme Bay February 2009 keyboard weekend will be receiving letters offering them the Sand Bay October 2009 event and the same price - saving up to £24 per person - an offer they are unlikely to refuse.

The last event at Lyme Bay (17th October 2008) will include a new X-FACTOR feature with two holidays as prizes. This is the last chance for enthusiasts to visit the Lyme Bay Leisure Resort to experience an organ-keyboard weekend that is different to all the rest. Early booking is advised for the special final event. Booking Office No: 01297 626800.

For more information, visit LymeBayExperience.com

David Stanley, chairman of the Wessex Organ World Soceity has contacted us regarding their recent Roland Atelier. The event was sponsored by Swift Music in association with Roland UK.

David writes...

"I'm really pleased to announce that our Roland Atelier comes to Dorset concert at Wessex Organ World was a great success. Contributions from Tim Flint and Ian House received standing ovations from the members attending the concert. Nick Swift from Swift Music and Richard Patt from Roland UK helped to make it a very musical evening.

Our Maurice Porter shield for player of the year 2007 was presented to Ian House by Brenda Porter - the look on his face was a picture! And, considering the votes were taken at the annual general meeting of the society last november this was hard to keep a secret from him all this time!

It is indeed a pleasure to know that artistes such as Ian a are coming on to the organ scene in a time when so many organist are calling it a day.

Tim Flint returns to the society in 2009 and Ian in 2010.

David Stanley, Chairman."

Organist Penny Weedon is trying a new approach to playing in April and September this year, when she takes to the road - and stays there.

"I've been looking for ways to cut down the costs to societies and the wear, tear and expense to players themselves" Penny explains, "and the old-fashioned idea of arranging a tour seemed the best answer. Whereas we usually take bookings that are offered, and cover huge distances zooming up and down the country, I decided to take the initiative and organise a tour where we perhaps drive only 80 miles each day, passing on the savings to the organ societies."

Penny and her husband will be living in their motorhome, towing the trusty Yamaha EL900m from hall to hall with a programme entitled "A Conducted Tour of England". The concert includes the most popular music inspired by this green and pleasant land, including musicals, marches, light classics and folk songs.
For details of Penny's tour, you can visit www.pennyweedon.co.uk and click on Concert Dates.

Byron Jones, the welsh wizard, has announced yet another new addition to his festival portfolio. His latest festival will be held at the Clifton Hotel in Scarborough. For details on this and all the festivals in the UK this year, visit our festival page.

For those of you interested in Pipe Organ events, Byron's Wizard Compton continues to give well attended monthly concerts, visit WizardCompton.org or click on any of Byron's events on our festival page to be automatically transferred to his website.

Byron reports that this year the Wizard Compton Christmas Show will be on TWO days due to the popularity of this event, this will be Friday 12th & Saturday 13th December and suggests that people should book their tickets in good time to avoid disappointment, further details available from Byron - 0117 949 7742.

Chris Powell and Chris Hopkins both recently launched their new websites, vist them with the links below.

ChrisPowell.org
Chris-Hopkins.net

Michael Farrar is pleased to inform friends at organ and music societies around the country, that he recently gained his CertEd at Huddersfield University. A strange coincidence in that his wife Janet, who is a soprano, also gained her Bachelor of Music Degree at the same University, before they met! He is pictured here with local Barnsley celebrity, Ian McMillan (musician and poet) having received their awards. A reminder from Michael - ' Who says Yorkshire folk are thick? - I can even do joined up writing! '

Korg's PA series of Arranger Keyboards have always impressed. Now, the latest instrument to join the PA2x Pro and PA800 is the fantastic new PA500.

The PA500 continues the trends set by it's bigger brother, the PA800 - the sleek blue design, touch screen (monochrome on the PA500) and their RX (Real eXperience) sound technology. And of course, Korg's incredibly realistic rhythms are there too.

Korg have always had the reputation of making pro instruments and they have used this expertise to craft perfect "home use" instruments.

Now, the most incredible thing about the new PA500 is it's price. It's list price is just £999!

This keyboard is well worth a look and should be making it's way to the showrooms of all major dealers soon.

For more information, check out Korg UK's product page or head to KorgPA.com.