WANT TO TAKE a breather from what’s happening in the world? Come and lose yourself in the amazing music of theatre organist Phil Kelsall MBE for a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining afternoon at Paul Kirner’s Music Palace in Ynyshir.
Phil is the principal resident organist of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom (for fifty years next year!) and Paul Kirner’s Music Palace is thrilled to announce his first visit to their unique venue on Sunday June 21, 2026 at 2.30pm.
Expect an afternoon of showmanship and dazzling displays of dexterity as the virtuoso of the theatre organ plays a huge variety of music on both the Compton and Christie instruments which will delight and astound you.
Phil travels widely to give concerts all over the country, and also plays the Wurlitzer at the Thursford Collection in Norfolk for their season of Christmas shows, which runs to around 70 performances each year, performing to an estimated audience of over 110,000. He was awarded the MBE in 2010 for services to music, and if this might be your first experience of theatre organ music, you’ll have picked a real treat!
The venue is a former Welsh chapel in the Rhondda valleys which has been transformed into “The Music Palace” and is now the scene of a major revival of theatre organs and their music, with public performances and group visits planned for the year.
Tucked away in South Street, Ynyshir, near Porth, South Wales CF39 0EG, the treasure trove of stunning theatre pipe organs as well as vintage electronic keyboards and associated memorabilia has to be seen to be believed, and was the brainchild of professional theatre organist Paul Kirner. The building itself is a unique concert venue, containing original fixtures and fittings added from 1930’s cinemas, and is worth a visit in its own right.
Why not come along? You can be assured of a varied and enjoyable programme of music, an afternoon to remember, with a warm welcome from the venue’s dedicated volunteers, and you might even get the theatre organ bug!
The concert starts at 2.30pm on Sunday, June 21, doors opening at 1.45pm. Tickets are £12, and advance booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. There is a licensed bar, and tea/coffee available for a small charge.
For bookings and enquires:
- Telephone: Ben Snowdon (the curator) on 07974 813445
- Email: [email protected]
- Via the Paul Kirner’s Music Palace website
