OrganFax

Carlo Curley is truely an international concert artist, wherever he goes his technical ability and warm personality is sure to follow

Carlo will be performing a rare concert on the 23rd June at The HolyTrinity Church, Ashby de la Zouch. The programme is set to be filled with many classical organ favourites, and tickets are very reasonably priced.

More information on the event can be found at www.trinityashby.net/carlo.

As usual, with a new month comes a new edition of OrganFax's "OrganTrax Radio" with industry journalist and presenter, Alan Ashton.

In this installment, Alan once again provides us with a wide range of music suitable for all tastes. Also included in the second part of the show is an interview with much loved organist Len Rawle.

You can access OrganTrax by going to organfax.co.uk/organtrax.

Andrew Nix has contacted us with the following message...

"It has recently been brought to my attention that mail sent to my old address has not been redirected as it should have been. Therefore I ask that anyone who has written to me, without reply, within the last 6 months please check that you have my present address. I apologise to those affected and hope to hear from you soon.
Kindest regards,

Andrew Nix"

55 Meadow Drive
Thorpe Willoughby
Selby
North Yorkshire
YO8 9PN

01757 708509

Nixymusic@aol.com

It's another new month and once again, all our previous news items have been archived to the bottom right of this page

A couple of really exciting events are happening this month. Firstly, there is a huge organ, keyboard and piano showcase at Birmingham Symphony Hall being organised by Leigh Perry (see this archived article). Then, there's the brand new "Musical Magic" event being held at Mill Rythe Holiday Village, Hayling Island (see TandAEvents.co.uk for more info on that).

Promises to be a good month. Don't forget to pop back on the 6th for the new OrganTrax with Alan Ashton.

We're delighted to announce that Marie Powell gave birth to Thomas Samuel (weighing 7 lb 12 oz) on Saturday! Both Chris and Marie are over the moon, Chris says: "We are both highly delighted and on cloud 9 still - just a little lacking in sleep at this stage!"

Congratulations Chris and Marie!

Those of you who didn't make it to The Friends of the Rye Wurliter's "Wurlitzer Weekend" last weekend certainly missed a treat.

One person that was there was OrganFax contributor and industry journalist, Alan Ashton. Alan has written a great report of the event which has now been added to our articles section and can be read here

For more information on the Rye Wurlitzer, visit their website here

Here at Organfax we have always been very happy to work closely with many of the festival organisers around the UK and overseas to bring you information and the latest news on what's happening. One festival we have always enjoyed promoting has been the Eastbourne Music Festivals run by John and Jackie Romero. Based at The Cumberland Hotel on the seafront in Eastbourne, the venue is the ideal location to enjoy good music in a relaxed atmosphere and benefit from all on offer at one of the south coasts premier locations.

We are delighted to able to offer visitors to Organfax a very special one-off for the Eastbourne Spring Organ/Keyboard Weekend taking place later this month from 11th to 14th May. Normally costing £189.00 (per person - half board), Eastbourne Music Festival is offering £20 off when you book for this event through Organfax - so only now costing £169.00!

The event as usual will consist of four days of good company and excellent music in a friendly hotel atmosphere. The programme include concerts by Ryan Edwards, Elizabeth Harrison, Daniel Watt, Jon Smith, John Romero and Colin Ford. There will also be the rare chance to hear these musicians jam together. In addition to concerts, there will also be tea dances, charity raffles, quizzes and seminars on number of musical subjects for both beginner and advanced musicians.

To book now... contact them on 01323 733700, mentioning this offer in Organfax to ensure you receive your £20 discount.

Further information, including terms & conditions, can be found at www.carillonstudios.com

We are delighted to announce the great news about the organ & keyboard festival planned for this summer taking place at St. Audries Bay, near Minehead, Somerset. To be hosted by Penny Weedon, it will be taking place from Saturday 7th - Saturday 14th July 2007 and is absolutely packed with loads of great artists and ideas, including a special coach trip to Bristol to visit Byron Jones on the Wednesday.

Events at St. Audries Bay are well-known for the relaxing atmosphere and easy-going style. Day's are normally started with a hearty breakfast and the 3-course meals in the evening are sumptuous. The location lends to lovely walking along the beach or inland into the Quantock Hills. There is a heated swimming pool for those not brave enough to swim in the sea.

Artists attending are Howard Beaumont, Michael McAneny, Penny Weedon, Sarah Foley, Peter Shaw and on the final night Brett Wales.

In addition to this, you are invited to bring along your keyboard to take part in Penny's orchestra. There will be competitions, a music quiz, tuition and demonstrations. The event will also be attended by the usual team of Eric & Sylvia with Nick Swift from Swift Music and also Paul Carman from Hinckley Music.

Costs for half board are £275 per person and there are other options available including touring pitches at £17 per night (plus £35 per person festival charge)

Once again St. Audries will be a great summer event and for further information on the venue, take a look at their website at www.staudriesbay.co.uk or contact them direct on 01984 632515 or email mrandle@staudriesbay.co.uk

Yet another month has been and gone, we hope it's been a good one for you!

Lots planned for OrganFax this month - Alan Ashton will once again be joining us in another instalment of our ever popular radio show: OrganTrax (watch out for this month's edition on Thursday 3rd). Also, there's a new web presence in the pipeline for Brentwood Organ and Keyboard Club - this will also be the premier of a new feature for OrganFax that will give Organists and Clubs an unparalleled control over their entries on OrganFax.

It's great to be able to start the month on a high note, and we were delighted to receive a message from Brian Sharp. Many rumours have been heard around the Organ and Keyboard scene recently regarding Brian's health - many of which have been grossly exaggerated! So we're pleased that we can finally clear it all up. Take a read of the message below, and have a good month!

A personal message from Brian Sharp...

"Thank you all for your good wishes helping me through a very difficult time. I hope to be able to make the Blackpool festival, but if not I will definitely be in Bournemouth for my festival at the Ocean View on the 15th - 18th of June at full strength.

Once again, thank you for your kind thoughts and I hope to see you soon.

All the best

Brian Sharp."

We've added a new article to our media section.

Recently, Sarah Foley was featured in the largest German organ and keyboard magazine: OKey. Now, the article has been kindly translated by well known international organist, Dirkjan Ranzijn and you can read it by clicking here. Enjoy.

Richard Moore writes:
A Message to all those following the moving of the Historic Rye Wurlitzer (The Oldest Wurlitzer Theatre Organ in the UK still entertaining the public) and a few more besides.

I am delighted to report that despite comments akin to "I hope it doesn't end up like that Grand Piano off the back of the lorry" for the past two week; the historic Wurlitzer was moved this afternoon with an eight man team from Bourne's of Rye under the personal guidance of Managing Director Eric Bourne. The Wurlitzer has been located on the gallery at the rear of the college hall for the past 50 years. The move is part of the Friends of Rye Wurlitzer project to move and install the instrument on the stage.

In July a bespoke lift will be manufactured and fitted by Higher Elevation Ltd of Maidstone so that the Wurlitzer will rise out of the floor from its customised pit created by Pride Groundworks over the Easter holidays from September onwards.

Eric was with his father on the collection of the Wurlitzer 50 years ago when it first came from the Palace Cinema Tottenham so it was definitely "de ja vous" as far as he was concerned. After two hours of thorough preparation the Wurlitzer having been thoroughly padded, roped and webbed slid gracefully down two long heavy duty planks that were obtained from Rye Hire.

There were no anxious moments, everything went to Eric's thorough planning and the total professionalism and spirit of his fine team of men who handled the whole project very capably.

The instrument will now be reconnected to the mains and wind supply together with the electronic relays in readiness for the Wurlitzer Weekend over the Weekend of May 5th and 6th when five of the countries leading organists will be performing over the two day period ( details below).

Materials for the construction of the pit and the new hatch have been generously sponsored by STAMCO timber & diy. Electrical wiring and ducting under the direction of BJ Electric's and electronics by Dave Barnet of Barnet/Davies amplification. The structural engineer to the project has been Malcolm Tree with guidance from Len Rawle known in the theatre organ world as Mr Wurlitzer for his knowledge and expertise in Wurlitzers and their installation all over the country.

On behalf of the Friends of Rye Wurlitzer I sincerely everyone so far for their support and encouragement. There is still lots to do but today was a momentous day for the project and I am delighted to report that everything went to plan.

For more information on the Wurlitzer, and the Wurlitzer Weekend, vist The Rye Wurlitzer's website

It's with much regret that we bring sad news to the organ and keyboard world. Many of you will have known Daniel Watt's father: Derek, who has supported Daniel throughout his career and was often seen at the major festivals helping out and enjoying a pint. Unfortunately, we have just heard that Derek passed away suddenly on Sunday morning.

Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with Daniel and those who were close to Derek.

We have just heard who Byron Jones will be presenting at his Sand Bay festival next year, and it's certainly a star studded line up. Acts include...

Claudia Hirshfield, Brett Wales, Peter Hayward, Kevin Morgan, Mark Whale, Rosealie Birchmoore, Nicholas Martin, Alister Kirner, The Longhawn Trio, Paul Carman, Arthur Tipper and of course, Byron Jones. The price is the same as this year at £139.00 Full Board and If you book before you leave this year a further £10.00 is off the price making it £129.00. Certainly an event not to be missed.

For more information, you can contact Byron through his festival page here.

The Penistone Cinema Organ Trust are presenting a special concert on Saturday 14th April to celebrate the 7th Anniversary of the installation of the Compton Cinema Organ at The Penistone Paramount. This year marks the 70th Birthday of the Compton Organ, which was originally installed in the Paramount/Odeon, Birmingham. Opened at The Penistone Paramount in April 2000 by Nigel Ogden & Kevin Grunill, it is fitting that there are two special events organised to take place during this celebratory year.

Kevin Grunill is to perform the 7th Anniversary concert on Saturday 14th April at 2.30pm. It is fitting for Kevin to be seated at the console on this special occasion, for not only does he own this fine Compton Cinema Organ but this date also marks another special celebration for Kevin - His 35th Birthday ! Music for everyone is guarenteed and there will be several interesting items using the large screen projection facilities, which are available at this wonderful venue. Tickets for this event are selling fast, so don't delay - BOOK TODAY.

Nigel Ogden will be performing the Comptons' 70th Birthday concert at the Penistone Paramount on Saturday 15th September at 2.30pm. Having performed on this instrument in each of its previous installations, Nigel will once again be putting the Compton through its paces with an entertaining mix of music to suit all tastes.

Tickets are available in advance by telephoning 07944 566972.

Harry Stoneham is making a rare concert appearance on Thursday 12th April at Wessex Organ World Society in Poole. Harry is one of the few true professional celebrity organists outside the Organ and Keyboard scene (one of his Claims to fame is that he composed the theme tune to "Parkinson" and performed live in the "house band" on the show for many years) and this concert should certainly not be missed.

Harry has released many albums (running easily into double figures) since 1967.

The instrument for the concert will be provided by the team from Swift Music. More information on start times/prices can be found on WOW's website.