The Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ
Hear a Theatre Organ From Yesteryear In Northeast England
Oct 27, 2009
Theatre Organ Enthusiasts Revive Cinema Entertainment
The heyday of the theatre and cinema organ is long since gone. Today visitors to the cinema look for those mind blowing special effects in their films without the need for the old fashioned intermission period.
Theatre audiences today also expect much more modern entertainment during any gap in the proceedings. However, one organisation in the Durham Dales is keeping the traditions of the cinema and theatre entertainment alive and kicking with an amazing Wurlitzer organ.
Refurbished Wurlitzer Organ Plays Again in County Durham
From the New Victoria Centre, Howden Le Wear, County Durham , England these specialists put on a series of concerts and display recitals throughout the year. The North East Theatre Organ Association have refurbished part of their visitor centre like an old cinema or theatre and the effect is very realistic.
The organ in this centre is a 3 rank 13 manual Wurlitzer. These musical machines have their origins in organs found in churches, cathedrals and concert halls.
Wurlitzer Brings Back Home That Special Theatre Sound
The big difference is that pipes on the Wurlitzer are arranged in such a way that the can produce a one-man orchestral sound. Made before the advent of musical amplification these became the ideal machines for accompaniment of silent films in the early 20th century. With talkie movies their role changed to that of entertainement during the then frequent musical interludes.
Few British Wurlitzers remain and the most famous is the one in the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool.
Theatre Organ Benefits From Lottery Award
The County Durham machine worked for nearly four decades in the New Victoria Centre super cinema in Bradford, Yorkshire. It first played in it present home in 1986.
With the help of a Heritage Lottery Fund grant the instrument has been totally refurbished and extra original pipework added to enhance the machine's wonderful sound. Watching and hearing this musical masterpiece rise from the bowels of the theate pit is an unforgettable experience.
Talented Organ Musicians Give Regular Wurlitzer Recitals
How talented those musicians must be to handle all those controls at once. It is also possible to go right behind the scenes and see the inner workings of this fantastic musical instrument. Talented musical members of the associaton may also use the machine for private practice at very reasonable rates.
There are a monthly series of concerts here from some of the finest organ players, an annual fete and open day in May and visitor days monthly in the summertime.
The Wurlitzer - A Unique Machine For a Unique Experince
Group visits are always welcome if booked in advance. Welcome refreshments can be had from the tearoom where a range of recordings and memorabilia is on sale.
The Wurlitzer is a unique machine and a visit to this centre is also now a rather unique experience.
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