OrganFax News

Enjoy Watching the Young Theatre Organist of the Year Competition Online

Wednesday 17th September

THe Wurlitzer Heritage Trust (WHT) held this year's Young Theatre Organist of the Year Competition on the fabulous Wurlitzer at The Musical Museum (MM) in Brentford.  You can enjoy watching the whole event here:

Video of YTOY 2025 (opens in new tab)

For more information about the competition and other events visit The Wurlitzer Heritage Trust (opens in new tab)

For more information about the museum and their events visit The Musical Museum  (opens in new tab)

If you know any young players who may like to enter next year, drop an email to event organiser Michael Wooldridge - michael@wokingwurlitzer.co.uk

Rod Pooley Music Is Thriving

Wednesday 17th September

On September 17th 2025 Rod Pooley Music terminated, by mutual consent, their dealership with Böhm of Germany.  Rod’s music shop at 14, Westgate Grantham NG31 6LT is really thriving and has many, many agencies including instruments and accessories from Korg, Nord, Casio, D’Addario, Strings n Things, Vandoren, Hagstrom and Shergold Guitars, Hidersine Violins to name just a few.

They now have a brand new online store where you can purchase all of their numerous products online as well as in their store.  Please visit www.rodpooleymusic.co.uk (opens in new tab)

DirkJan Ranzijn Makes Long Awaited Return to the UK

Wednesday 17th September

We are thrilled that top interntaional organist DirkJan Ranzijn is returning to play in the UK for the first time since before Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dirk will be a featured guest organist at this year's Keyboard Cavalcade Autumn Spectacular, held at the end of September at the superb Hemsby Beach Holiday Resort.

For more details of how you can come along to hear Dirk and a host of other top players at this most wonderful of events, visit the Keyboard Cavalcade Website (link opens in new tab).

Dirk is appearing for Cavalcade Productions in association with Böhm Germany, who will be displaying the latest instruments at the Keyboard Cavalcade Autumn Spectacular, another very good reason to come along!

Change of September Artiste at Brentwood

Friday 29th August

The Brentwood Organ & Keyboard Club concert at 2.15pm on Tuesday 23rd September at Mountnessing Village Hall, CM15 0UG, will now feature Michael Sullivan, along with his special guest, his wife, Elspeth.

For more information call 07933 845 803.

Back to School Offers on Casio Keyboards and Pianos

Tuesday 19th August

Casio Music UK, one of the world-leading producers of electrical musical instruments, has released a selection of Back to School deals on a range of its most affordable and popular digital pianos and keyboards.

Available for a limited time only, between the 12th August and the 30th September, customers can enjoy a range of discounts on beginner and expert-level pianos and keyboards.

Alongside these deals, customers can claim free delivery anywhere in the UK, when purchasing through the Casio website directly.

Here are just a couple of the many special offers available when you visit the webiste at www.casio.com/uk/electronic-musical-instruments/ (link opens in new window)

CT-S100 Bundle - keyboard, headphones & stand

WAS £129.00, NOW £99 (OVER 20% OFF)

The CT-S100 home learning bundle has everything you need to get started on the keyboard.  This 61-note keyboard comes equipped with 122 high-quality sounds and 61 accompanying rhythms, and the bundle boasts great value as it includes a free height-adjustable stand, a power adapter and headphones - perfect for more private sessions. 

The CT-S100 is also designed to be the world’s most portable keyboard, with an integrated carry handle, meaning that it can be played at any place at any time.  Purchase of the bundle now comes with Casio’s brand new ‘Rhythm Warriors’ animated piano lessons for kids.

PX-765 Home Piano (Black)

WAS £849.00, NOW £499.99 (OVER 38% OFF)

The PX-765 Home Piano is designed for those small living spaces without compromising your home.  With Casio’s unique Concert Play feature, the PX-765 comes with a built-in library of ten classical pieces, giving you the ability to play along with recordings of a live symphony orchestra.  From beautiful elementary pieces to famous classical themes, be thrilled by the sense of occasion that being the soloist in an orchestra brings. 

The PX-765 includes a USB MIDI connection, meaning that it will connect seamlessly to your computer or smart device via USB, ready for use with any standard music software.

Oscar Battle is the Young Theatre Organist of the Year 2025

Tuesday 12th August

The Wurlitzer Heritage Trust staged this year's UK Young Theatre Organist of the Year Competition at the Musical Museum in Brentford on Sunday 3rd August.

Everyone agreed that the standard of playing from the young entrants was very high this year, often showing maturity far greater than their years.

The three judges, all distinguished theatre organists, David Ivory (Chairman), Byron Jones BEM and Andy Quin, took quite a while in deliberation but, in the end, made the unanimous decision that this year's winner is 15 year old Oscar Battle from Norwich.

Since winning, Oscar has already featured in a concert with Michael Wooldridge and been featured in a lovely feature on BBC TV's Look East and in a lovely feature, which you can enjoy at: BBC Article BBC Article (opens in new tab)

Oscar has already secured bookings to appear in concerts at the Woking Wurlitzer, the Rye Wurlitzer, the Worthing Wurlitzer and the Studio Standaart, with many more to come for this wonderful but modest young man.

Congratulations Oscar!