Hi All, URL http://www.canterbury.nsw.gov.au/photos/30500/30503ps.htm
is now operational again. It is the web site of the local government
body which owns the Orion Function Center (formerly the art-deco Orion
Theater) in which the local chapter of the Theater Organ Society of
Australia (TOSA) has installed the 3-manual 15-rank Wurlitzer organ out
of the Sydney Capitol Theater.
I have been involved for many years with this organ and TOSA. (I now
mostly do the lighting for public organ concerts at the Orion, but
that's another story !).
The photos are of the array of tuned percussions installed in the
understage chambers. Not included in the photos are the upright piano
playable from the console, and the chimes/tubular bells. I understand
the set of tuned sleigh bells was unusual for this size organ, as was
the 32-foot Diaphone extension, now stored under the floor but not
restored or playable. (It always was an overkill for the organ,
anyway).
The Glockenspiel is metal bars with metal hammers. The Chrysoglott is
metal bars with piano-style hammers. The Xylophone is wooden bars with
hardwood hammers, and the Marimba/Harp is wooden bars with felt-faced
hardwood hammers.
If anyone wants more detailed information, please contact me and I will
see what I can do.
Musically yours,
John Weismantel,
Sydney, Australia ( where Christmas Day was 100 degrees in the shade )
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