THE BARDAVON WURLITZER THEATRE ORGAN


THE BARDAVON WURLITZER THEATRE PIPE ORGAN is owned and maintained by volunteers of the New York Theatre Organ Society (NYTOS). The Bardavon and Radio City Music Hall share the distinction of each being home to one of the few surviving Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organs still playing in its original location.

LOST & FOUND - First installed in 1928 to accompany silent films,
the organ remained in later use to support shows or as a solo
instrument. In the 1960s it left for a private home in Scarsdale , NY ,
until a sale of the home in the 70's once more forced its removal, to be acquired by an entrepreneur who stored it in a barn in Poughkeepsie . When in 1985 the New York Theatre Organ Society discovered the organ, it was badly in need of restoration. The then-struggling Bardavon wished to see the organ returned but had neither the funds nor the knowledge to affect this. An agreement was reached between NYTOS and the Bardavon allowing for NYTOS to purchase the organ, retain title to it, restore it, and return it to its original home.

RESTORED - Eight years later in September of 1993, after spending $35,000 and thousands of volunteer hours, the Bardavon's "Golden Voiced" Wurlitzer Organ sounded once again in the theatre for which it was designed. To date, the New York Theatre Organ Society has spent an additional $45,000 plus untold volunteer hours in the upkeep and improvement of this historic organ. Today the cost of replicating this pipe organ would be over $250,000.


A FIRST - Wurlitzer Theatre organs were dubbed the original "synthesizers" in that they were conceived to reproduce a full orchestra with a wide array of percussion and sound effects. Considered louder and brassier than its classical counterpart, it was designed to hold its own whether accompanying silent films or playing popular tunes, as well as classical music. This pipe organ was built for entertainment of the masses.

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE- MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE It is officially known as a 2 manual 7 rank style "E" instrument. The keyboard console shows only a small part of the complete instrument. Two 140 sq. ft. chambers - House Left ( Main ) and House Right (Solo) - contain over 700 organ pipes, divided as follows: The Main houses the Diapason, Flute, Strings and Celeste, as well the Chrysoglott (harp). The Solo contains the Tibia, Vox Humana and Trumpet, as well as the traps, percussion and sound effects. Since 1993 the NYTOS has added a Clarinet and an Orchestral Oboe. Final expansions included an English Post Horn, and a bass octave for the Tibia. Additional upper chambers are homes to the tremulants and offset regulators. A five horsepower blower located above the proscenium supplies air pressure. All sounds - except the piano - are mechanically produced, just as they were in 1928. The electrical control system has been changed to one that is computerized for more flexibility, easier maintenance, and the option of expansions. To find out more of the Wurlitzer technical specifications click here.

BE A FRIEND - - It takes up to ten different parts, all moving smoothly, to create a single note. Therefore it requires use, as well as continuous care. Also some new features are being prepared for installation. While the New York Theatre Organ Society provides volunteer labor, funding is always a critical issue. As owners,
NYTOS also assumes these financial responsibilities. The New York Theatre Organ Society is a registered nonprofit corporation and encourages you to be a friend to our historic Wurlitzer Organ. For more information about how you can help call (845) 457-5393, or visit their website at www.nytos.org or contact NYTOS, 178 Dunn Drive, Montgomery, NY, 12549.

CONTRIBUTORS TO BE REMEMBERED:

Stephen and Julia McC. Dunwell
John Vanderlee, Sr.

CURRENT CONTRIBUTORS:

Mr. & Mrs. John Vanderlee, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Strang
Thomas Stehle
David A. Kopp

VOLUNTEER ORGAN CREW:
John Vanderlee, Jr., Curator
Robert Strang, Assistant Curator
Thomas Stehle
Robert Welch
Norman Andre
Betty Strang
Lowell Sanders
Bill Hayter
Fred Koverda


HOUSE ORGANIST:
Juan Cardona, Jr.

John Valentino, NYTOS Chairman
Thomas Stehle, NYTOS Secretary
Robert Welch, NYTOS Treasurer

David Kopp, Technical Advisor

CORPORATE SUPPORTERS:
Dydacomp Development Corporation
IBM Corporation
The Bardavon 1869 Opera House, Inc.
Bon Smith (Austin Organs)
Gordon Auchincloss (Austin Organs - retired)

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