Organ Societies: it's a whole new world!
02/05/2007
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A few generations ago electronic organ music was a hugely popular form of entertainment, with BBC Radio 2 showcasing a good selection of tunes performed by all generations on their regular broadcast "The Organist
Entertains". But in 2001 they decided to cut out electronic organists, so denying younger generations the chance to be heard. Little did the producers know that their actions would generate a whole new and successful enterprise: the Weyhill Electronic Organ Society, founded by Terry Trevett.
There are around 200 organ societies in the UK, and the Weyhill society, located three miles west of Andover in Hampshire, and formed in 2002, can claim to be one of the youngest. It is a strictly not-for-profit organisation, which, in its brief lifetime so far, has already raised almost £4,000 for charity - including £1,500 for Age Concern and £1,000 for their local hospice.
Said Terry: "After BBC Radio 2 cut out the electronic organ music, I got in touch with them to try and find a piece of music I'd heard. They put me in touch with this lady organist, who not only wrote to me with details of her CD, but also invited me to a concert near where I live. She organised tickets, I met her parents, and learned all about the organ societies worldwide. I had no idea until then. So I started going to concerts, and eventually decided to start my own society - and now we're actually bigger than many of them!."
Although the Society welcomes audiences of all ages, the majority of
people supporting the monthly concerts are in the over-50s age group,
possibly because they are attracted by the type of music performed. But
anyone who enjoys melodious, easy listening, live music cannot help but
derive considerable pleasure from the sounds of the modern electronic
organs.
Terry continued: "These amazing pieces of electronic wizardry are capable of a wide range of sounds and rhythms – from military bands to orchestras, from the violin to the harmonica. In fact, the sounds of almost any instrument you can imagine can be reproduced by these organs. But of course, the instruments do not play on their own. There are numerous extremely talented, professional performers on the ‘circuit’, playing a variety of electronic organs, and first class entertainment within a friendly and relaxed environment is always assured."
The styles of music presented by the guest performers range from classical and contemporary to waltzes and marches, and the programmes are balanced to suit most musical tastes. Terry has also rigged up sophisticated video projection equipment, so the entire audience has an excellent view not only of the keyboard but also the pedal skills demonstrated by the various players.
The Society's Concerts are usually held on the third Thursday of every
month at the Fairground Hall, Weyhill, SP11 0QN (2 miles west of Andover), commencing at 7.30 p.m. There is ample free parking adjacent to the hall and interval refreshments are always available. Tickets purchased in advance cost £4.00 and can be obtained by post from the Secretary, Terry Trevett, enclosing s.a.e. Admission at the door is £5.00 (but tickets are strictly subject to availability).
To find out more call Terry 01264 323213 or visit the Society's website at the first link below.
Terry adds: "Incidentally, there could well be an organ society near you. To find out, all you need do is log on to the link below and look for the club directory. If you have never been before it might be an experience that you would enjoy. So little quality entertainment is currently available to the older generation so you might find a whole
new world opening up."