2/10 Wurlitzer Model H Opus 1482 - The Mighty Wurlitzer

The theatre organ that sits beneath the stage of Baycourt's Centennial Theatre, is one of only three Wurlitzer's in New Zealand - and the only one is such an original condition.

Concert-goers get to see it rise up to the stage level in the traditional manner with great  flourish whenever a Wurlitzer concert is presented.  It is played for a wide variety of shows and events.  Curtains draw back to reveal the thousand pipes and 'traps' in the sound chambers on both sides of the proscenium, that produce the amazing voices of this grande dame of the theatre age.

History

The US-built organ was shipped from the United States in October 1926 for installation in the De Luxe Theatre in Wellington.  It made its debut in 1927 with Sydney organist Emanual (“Manny”) Aarons and quickly became a beloved feature of the theatre. In 1959, the Wurlitzer was sold to Eddie Aikin, a theatre organ enthusiast who installed the instrument first in a former honey-packing shed south of Tokoroa, and later in the school hall of Tokoroa High School. Ultimately, ill health forced Mr. Aikin to sell the organ to the Tauranga 20,000 Club. This organization donated the instrument to Tauranga. With the support of the Tauranga City Council, the society installed the instrument in the Tauranga Town Hall in 1972. The Wurlitzer was once again featured as a concert instrument for many local and overseas artists until it was announced in 1986 that the Town Hall would be demolished.

The Tauranga City Council suggested that the organ could be relocated in the newly-constructed Baycourt Community and Arts Centre.  By the middle of 1987, the arduous task of dismantling and re-installing the instrument began, and by late 1988, Opus 1482 was playing once again. Dennis James traveled from the United States to present the premier concert of the instrument in December 1988.

The Tauranga Theatre Organ Society helps finances the maintenance and restoration of the organ.  With the organ now sounding possibly its best ever, the instrument is proving a worthy asset, both to the Baycourt and Tauranga.

To hear organ music visit http://www.atos.org/radio/