OrganFax News

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)

New President for York!

Tuesday 14th July

On July 9^th, prior to a stunning concert from Steve Hubble, the YORK ELECTRONIC ORGAN & KEYBOARD SOCIETY held their AGM and a new president was elected.

They proudly introduced the very popular keyboard entertainer Andrew Nix to this position.  Andrew, who is the same age as the society, has always been a wonderful supporter for the society going back to the days when it was known as The York Hammond Organ Society – he was just 10 years old then.  As well as performing his concerts for them, a few years ago Andrew stepped in to help with designing the posters for their monthly shows and recently designed their advertising banners.

Presenting monthly concerts with some of the country's top organists on the 2nd Thursday of the month, visitors are assured of a wonderful warm welcome by the loyal and enthusiastic team.

Artistes and concert attendees often praise the fantastic venue just outside York.  It has comfortable seating for 200 and offers level disabled access/toilets plus ample free car parking.  Concerts are enhanced by state-of-the-art projection equipment including three cameras for close-ups of the keyboard and pedals making a more pleasurable experience for everyone.

Venue: Stockton-on-the Forest Village Hall  YO32 9UR

Concerts start at 7.30pm

Membership: £10.00.

Admission: (including refreshments in the interval)

£7.00 for members or £9.00 for visitors 

For more details contact John Longhawn on 07729 150 830 or Keith Jackson on 07929 191 210

Congratulations to Jack Morton

Wednesday 8th July

Congratulations to the UK's Jack Morton, who, on 7th July 2026, has won this year's American Theatre Organ Society Young Theatre Organist of the Year Competition, playing the magnificent Eisenhardt Wurlitzer in Rochester, New York.

Thanks to Michael Carter for this photo of this special day.

New Opening Times for Keyboard Cavalcade Magazine and Holidays

Tuesday 7th July

With the summer upon us, and more and more people transacting payments online, Keyboard Cavalcade has reduced their regularly manned phone hours, so now any time you call you can leave a message and they will phone you back, or they will definitely be manning the phones on a Monday morning between 10am and 12 noon.

Keyboard Cavalcade magazine is always packed with news from our world of keyboard and organ music, plus always has some new music and ideas for you to try on your keyboard, and much more.  A nice glossy magazine to really enjoy reading, it is a bargain at just £33.50 a year, delivered to your home.  You can subscribe online at https://www.cavalcadeproductions.co.uk/subscribe.htm (opens in a new window) or call 07842 573 913.

They also run the UK's largest keyboard holidays, always with a packed programme of top players to enjoy hearing from breakfast through till bedtime, tutorial and 'how to' sessions and plenty of trade stands to see all the latest instruments.  To see details of the galaxy of stars appearing at their next events, visit https://www.cavalcadeproductions.co.uk/hemsby.htm (opens in a new window) 

Don't forget, leave a message on 07843 573 913 for a call back, or phone when the office is always manned on a Monday morning.

Stilton Concerts move to Yaxley

Thursday 18th June

Starting in July, the concerts previously held at the STILTON Pavilion south of Peterborough will be moving to an exciting new venue, The Royal British Legion Club (RBL) in the neighbouring village of YAXLEY.

Although concerts at Stilton have been taking place for over seven years, the venue has become unsuitable for many reasons, one being the lack of suitable parking and other essential facilities.  The Yaxley RBL offers plentiful parking (no grass!), a stage, licensed bar, tea/coffee and good disabled access.  

Access by road is easy with the venue being only a few minutes from the A1M motorway/A15.

Please note the slightly earlier start time of 2pm with doors opening at 1.30pm.

The full address is Yaxley Royal British Legion, 210 Broadway, YAXLEY, Peterborough, PE7 3NR.

The planned 2026 programme of artistes remains unchanged, with concerts still held on the FIRST SUNDAY of the month.

Chris and Jo Powell and their Music4You team very much look forward to seeing you all at this superb new venue on Sunday 5th JULY 2026 with the fantastic Mark THOMPSON in concert!

Admission remains at £10 and this includes tea or coffee at the interval… and yes there will still be the raffle!

For more information about Yaxley Music4You, contact Jo or Chris on 07877 481 424.  Please leave a message and we’ll get back to you asap.

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