Residents may be familiar with pipe organs, as seen in suburban churches and the magnificent and powerful Sydney Town Hall Grand Organ with its massive 64-foot pipes.
However this is another kind – the Theatre Pipe Organ which was developed purely for entertainment, rather than for worship.
Unique, the instrument actually replaces an entire orchestra with just one musician who in the silent movie days, would add sound effects like galloping horses or fire bells to name a few.
Organ enthusiast Margaret Badman said: “Today, these amazing instruments can play any style of music you like and for lovers of music and those passionate about organs, there is no better experience than being able to enjoy a concert.”
Fans or anyone who doubts the organ’s remarkable power over the senses, is invited to the Orion Centre on Sunday, August 25, from 2pm, to hear one of America’s renowned theatre organists and entertainer, Ken Double, play this exquisite instrument.
Taking organ lessons from the age of eight, Ken has played throughout the world and this performance will be part of his seventh tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Bring this article with you to purchase a ticket for $25 as a first timer.
A delicious afternoon tea is available at interval, with free parking available behind the centre.
For more info, go to tosa.net.au.
Top organist about to pipe up
ORIGINALLY developed to provide music and sound effects to accompany silent films during the first three decades of the 20th century, a beautiful Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ which came from the Capitol Theatre in Sydney, now calls Campsie’s Orion Function Centre home.