PAUL KIRNER’S Music Palace is aiming to ensure the future for theatre organ music. On Sunday, April 26 at 2.30pm it will feature two young, up and coming artists, Jamyma Hanson and Jack Morton alongside internationally acclaimed established artist Michael Wooldridge.
These days there are not many musicians taking up the theatre organ. Paul Kirner’s Music Palace are keen to support and encourage those who have discovered what a wonderful and versatile instrument it is. Fortunately, Paul Kirner’s Music Palace is able to present two young and talented performers in concert with one of the UK’s busiest theatre and electronic organists, Michael Wooldridge. They encourage new performers, which will help preserve the future of the instrument for generations to come.
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.
Michael Wooldridge started his career in 1980 by winning the Young Theatre Organist of the Year, having being mentored by the renowned theatre organist Bobby Pagan, and has broadcast many many times on BBC Radio 2 with spots on The Organist Entertains and the late Steve Wright’s afternoon show. Not only a first class musician, he is also a fully-fledged show producer with variety shows, summer seasons, and pantomimes.
Michael has deputised for the resident organist at the Odeon Leicester Square, where he was thrilled to play for the then HRH Prince of Wales, and has also appeared as organ and piano soloist with the legendary Mantovani Orchestra. It almost goes without saying that he has the most remarkable repertoire and ability to play many different styles of music, and can also accompany silent films which is quite the talent in its own right.
You may be wondering where Michael finds the time, but he is also the main tutor at the Rye Wurlitzer Academy in Sussex where he is pleased to be inspiring new talent on the theatre organ.
Jamyma Hanson and Jack Morton are each looking forward to entertaining the audience as part of the show. Jamyma was one of Michael’s students at Rye, and enjoys playing both theatre and electronic organs in concert. Jack recently came second in the Young Theatre Organist of the Year competition, and has been enjoying playing a variety of different theatre organs around the country. They’ll perform a wide range of music as fresh talent for the first time at the Music Palace.
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 Music Palace hopes to welcome as many people as possible to this event to help protect the future and allow young musicians to hone their craft.
They are also pleased to announce that our Wurlitzer is 100 years old this year! In keeping with the youth themed concert, the young members’ representative of The Theatre Organ Club, Damon Cox, will be playing the Wurlitzer as the audience arrives for some additional musical entertainment. Why not have a listen whilst enjoying a drink in the fully licensed bar before the show?
The concert starts at 2.30pm on Sunday, April 26, doors opening at 1.45pm. Tickets cost £12, and advance booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. There is a licensed bar, and tea/coffee available for a small charge.
- Telephone: Ben Snowdon (the curator) on 07974 813445
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.pktoc.co.uk
