OrganFax News

Change of player at Burntwood this week!

Sunday 6th September

There has been a change of player at Burntwood Music For All this Thursday.  In place of Lewis Scott, who will now play there next year, the audience are in for a real treat, with top player Andrew Nix taking the stage, playing his superb Roland Atelier, and with some very exciting video enhancements.

Thursday September 10th at 7.30pm at The Ashmole Social & Bowling Club, Meerash Lane, Hammerwich, Burntwood, WS7 0LF

For More Details call Michelle 07999 475 040 or visit their OrganFax Page.

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)

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

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