We were excited to be visited by the “Australia Fair Grand Concert Organ” for our 2012 festival. Playing “The happiest music on earth”
Saturday 11th February – Highland Steam & Vintage Fair Rally Ground
“Australia Fair” is a Belgium built travelling Concert Organ. It was built in the workshops of Verbeeck’s Organ Works (Est 1884) in Antwerp and is the only travelling Concert Organ in Australia. It has entertained extensively at all levels from local functions to “Yarralumla” – the residence of the Governor General of Australia.
The organ has the equivalent sound of a 20-piece band and operates on air pressure generated by a bellows and regulated by a reservoir. The music is played by way of traditional punched cardboard books that are read by the keyframe, which activates valves that in turn cause the organ to play. The organ has some 442 pipes together with drums, cymbals, bells, woodblocks and animated figures. The organ also has a large library of music and can play all day without repeating selections. The music appeals to all age groups and covers all types from Strauss to Walt Disney including marches, waltzes, musical theatre, children’s and popular music. The music evokes a carnival atmosphere and is often referred to as the ‘happiest music on earth”.
These instruments first appeared in Europe and England in the early 1820′s and soon became very popular as they travelled between towns and villages entertaining at local Festivals, Fairs and events. Manufacturers flourished and large numbers of these instruments were made, as they were the principal source of music for outdoor public entertainment. Unfortunately, all this changed in 1926 when an American company named Brunswick introduced the world’s first electrically amplified gramophone. Sadly, by 1930, amplified recordings and amplified sound were widely and relatively cheaply available. This coupled with the Great Depression; saw manufacturers close and these wonderful instruments slowly fell into disrepair and disuse, until ultimately, the vast majority were lost forever.
However, Australia Fair Grand Concert Organ continues the tradition first started in Europe and England over 190-years ago. The organ travels throughout Australia and is available for hire at moderate rates.
Australia Fair is presented for your enjoyment by:
The Orchestrelle Co.
Since 1861
Rick Alabaster – Manager
P.O. Box 1515 Glen Waverley Vic 3150.
Telephone: 03 9763 3999 Fax: 03 9560 5926.
Mobile: 0422 019 017
Email: orchestrelle@yahoo.com.au
Download more information about the Australia Fair Grant Concert Organ below:
Australia Fair Flyer
