Inauguration Concert of Aeolian Opus 1458 in UK

As announced in MMD previously, Paul Morris held an inauguration for
his recently installed and freshly restored Aeolian Opus 1458, Duo-Art
player organ.  The event in Exeter, Devon, UK on February 23, was an
all day affair.  Starting at 11 a.m., attendees gathered at 27 Blackall
Road and went about the pleasant task of greeting old acquaintances and
making new ones.  Guests hailed from England, Australia, and USA.

The formal program began with a well prepared and rehearsed audio-
visual presentation.  Using both slides and videos, Paul showed the
instrument progressing from an unrestored and in languishing condition
in America, to a fully restored and expertly installed state in his
residence in Exeter.  His Victorian three-story town house had to be
modified to accommodate the larger-than-average 3 manual, 37 rank
organ.  Even with these modifications, access to the organ chambers
still requires agility and a slim waistline.

The organ was first demonstrated by means of the organ's detached
176-note Duo-Art roll player.  Using rolls that exhibit the orchestral
quality of the Aeolian pipe organ, Paul demonstrated the wide range
dynamics, multiple voices, and lovely phrasing incorporated in expertly
arranged Aeolian Organ Guild rolls.  A broad selection of rolls gave
a convincing performance of the chameleon qualities of the Aeolian.

Next, various guests played 116-note rolls at the console.  To properly
render these selections, the user must nimbly set stops and other
controls as the roll instructions pass over the tracker bar.  This is
a true interactive experience and the participants did a marvelous job.

The dinner, which was almost a banquet, created a natural interval and
allowed more social interaction among the guests.  Following the meal
were live organists who played informally.  At 8 p.m., host Paul Morris
appeared at the console with a selection of well rehearsed numbers
starting out with a medley of Victor Herbert tunes.  That concluded
the formal part of the program, but superb performances continued as
various professional organists stopped in and kept the evening alive
with well-polished renditions of their favorites

What had happened in that one day represented a dream come true
for Paul Morris.  It also displayed his perseverance and labor of
hundreds of hours to make this organ spring back to life.  Surrounded
by enthusiasts, the camaraderie made the event a true career highlight
for most of us.  Many MMDers were there, many PPG members, and many
AMICA members, too.  Some of us met for the first time, but we'll see
each other again.  As some of these Brits will invade the U. S. for
the summer Los Angeles AMICA convention, I will have my hands full as
they are certain to pass by my area.

Paul gave a preview performance for this event on YouTube at

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmU4yPa0kMg

He also pre recorded the program and has available the CD if you
contact him.

Great music, great fun, great people, and a wonderful machine.
Who could ask for more?

Bob Taylor