OrganFax News

Wurlitzer Anniversary Open Day and Events in Tywyn, West Wales

Saturday 15th August

This year the mighty 3/9 Tywyn Wurlitzer celebrates its 30th anniversary at Neuadd Pendre, Brook Street, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9DP.  It was originally installed at the Granada Cinema in Woolwich, South East London, where it had opened back in 1937.

To celebrate this landmark anniversary, everyone is invited to a Free 'Drop In' Open Day event from 2:30pm to 7:00pm  on Saturday 29th August.  This special day will allow everyone to learn about the instrument's history and how it works, and will include an exhibition, demonstrations, talks, organ chamber tours, opportunities to have a go, a quiz and refreshments.

To top this special day, top organist David Lowe will reprise the opening concert, with a very special 30th Anniversary Concert at 7:30pm that evening, Saturday 29th August.

If you can’t make it to the anniversary day, it is still well worth making the trip to Tywyn, as it is one of the most lovely preserved Wurlitzers in the UK, with a gorgeous sound.  Upcoming events are:

Saturday 12th September 7:30pm  A concert with highly prolific and famous composer Andy Quin

Sunday 25th October 7:30pm  The One Man Music Show with Matthew Bason

Saturday 7th November 7:30pm  A special silent film night featuring 'The Cabinet of Dr Calgary' with live score by Aaron Hawthorne at the Wurlitzer

For more information contact Bill Redfern on 07769 685 117, or visit https://www.tywynwurlitzer.com/ (opens in new tab)

Change of player for St. Edmundsbury in Tune at Horringer, near Bury St. Edmunds

Sunday 9th August

There has been a change of player for the St. Edmundsbury In Tune Concert at Horringer Community Centre, IP29 5RU, at 7.30pm on Friday 28th August when the player will now be the wonderful Andy Spencer playing his Yamaha Stagea.

Ben Scott-Hyde returns to the concert scene

Thursday 6th August

We are delighted that, after a decade of being unavailable due to to other commitments, Wersi player Ben Scott-Hyde is returning to the world of playing concerts for clubs and societies around the UK.

You may enjoy hearing a recent appearance he made for Fife Organ & Keyboard Club by visiting BenYouTube (opens in new window)

To book Ben for your club, give him a call on 07857 888 013 or drop him an email to benscotthyde@yahoo.com

Funeral and Live Stream Details for David (John) Elliott

Monday 3rd August

We are very sad to bring you the news from Louth Town Hall that David (John) Elliott has passed away after a protracted hospital stay.

David was a founder member of the North East Lincolnshire Theatre Organ Preservation Society and was an active member of the group that brought and installed the Compton Organ in Louth Town Hall.  From 1977 David was a fixture at NLTOPS concerts, working behind the scenes to ensure the organ was at it's best for the afternoon.   Many concert goers and performers knew that, at the interval, it would be David's smiling face that would greet you with tea and biscuits.

David was also known to organ lovers through his work with Les Allitt to restore and maintain organs up and down the country.

A Funeral service will be held at St Mary's Church, Horncastle at 11.00am on Wednesday August 5th followed by service of cremation at Alford Crematorium. 

The committal ceremony at Alford Crematorium will be available to watch online using the following details:

Website

https://watch.obitus.com (opens in new window)

Username nuta7807

Password 216727

For any other information, contact Andy at ceo@louthtownhall.co.uk

Young Theatre Organist of the Year Competition

Thursday 30th July

The Musical Museum has just played host to this year’s Young Theatre Organist of the Year Competition, held on 26th July.  Founded by The Wurlitzer Heritage Trust (formerly known as ATOS London) in 1978, numbers of players varies but this year it was a strong field, with seven competing for the coveted title of UK Young Theatre Organist of the Year, and then three players in our YTOY Seniors.  All the players gave a good account of themselves, making for a packed afternoon of music, much appreciated by the good audience.

Compère Tom Horton, himself YTOY winner in 2000, played the mighty Wurlitzer up from the pit and then welcomed the team of judges, headed up by Chairman Mark Laflin, ably assisted by YTOY Senior Winner 2017 Aaron Hawthorne and the Welsh Wizard, Byron Jones BEM.

Once all the entrants had played, we were entertained in grand style by last year’s winner, Oscar Battle, who has really proved himself the most worthy holder of the title with many, many performances throughout the year. It was then on to the results and, following long deliberations, the judges awarded Runner-Up status to James Rickus for his selection from Bugsy, and the title UK Young Theatre Organist of the Year 2026 to Jack Morton for his superb medley from The Ziegfeld Follies, so he now has the honour of wearing the solid silver Chain of Office for the coming year.

The first place in the YTOY Seniors went to Rob Mosley, who played the lively march, Down the Mall, and a lovely rendition of modern ballad Somewhere Out There. As well as a cash prize and souvenir plaque, Rob holds the Nigel Ogden Trophy for this year.

Last but not least in the trophy department is our very special Len Rawle MBE Memorial Trophy, which this year was awarded to Lucy Crouch.

It was an afternoon packed with a lovely wide cross section of music, including tunes from The Producers, The Sound of Music, Mamma Mia, Bob Dylan and many, many more. Do please go along to support these talented young players whenever you have the opportunity.  You will be enthralled by their talent and enthusiasm and, of course, with them honing their skills, our wonderful world of theatre organ music will continue long into the future.

Dr. Carol Williams appointed Hull City Hall Organist

Wednesday 29th July

Dr. Carol Williams has been appointed Hull City Hall Organist, where she follows in the footsteps of John Scott Whiteley.

This is Carole's second position as a Civic Organist - the first having been San Diego Civic Organist, where she is now honoured to be San Diego Civic Organist Emerita.

Hull City Hall posseses the third largest concert hall organ in the UK and was originally built in 1911 by Forster and Andrews.  The hall was designed by Jospeh H. Hirst and constructed between 1903 and 1909.  The venue seats 1,200 people and is one of the busiest concert venues in the UK.

Carol’s position will involve expanding the already well established Organ Showcase Series.  In Carol’s words “the organ is magnificent and the acoustics sublime!”  She is delighted to be a part of this great musical heritage.   

For more information on Dr. Carol visit her website (opens in new tab)