Musica Curiosa Fundraiser Concert To Be Held At The Paramount Theatre 6/28

Seattle Theatre Group (STG) presents Musica Curiosa at The Paramount Theatre on Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 7:00pm. Musica Curiosa is a concert fundraiser to restore The Paramount's Mighty Wurlitzer Organ featuring live music. Attend this evening length concert to show support for the preservation of this amazing historic instrument. Evening includes David Peckham performing live on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ and Dennis James playing a glass armonica and a theremin.

Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society and Seattle Theatre Group have a cooperative long-term goal to restore the Mighty Wurlitzer organ to top-playing condition and ensure this beautiful instrument doesn't fall silent. A full restoration is required to ensure that the organ continues to provide enjoyment for many years to come. Over $100,000 is needed for specialized parts, materials and professional services required to complete its restoration.

Much of the organ is still operating using its original 1928 mechanism. Many of the instrument's 20,000 moving parts have deteriorated, resulting in notes that do not play. Non-playing notes are caused by deterioration of the leather used for the organ's nearly 7,000 valve components that control the wind supply to the pipes. When built in 1928, the leather was intended to last only 30 to 40 years. The Paramount's Mighty Wurlitzer Organ is still operating on much of its original 80 year-old leather!

Restoration projects include:
· Re-leathering of the organ's 39 windchests that contain the special valve mechanisms controlling wind supply to the pipes
· Re-leathering of the organ's 15 regulators (bellows) that provide the steady wind supply to the organ's pipes, percussions and sound effects
· Re-leathering of the 9 tremulant devices that provide the distinctive "vibrato" effect that is unique to a theatre organ
· Re-wiring of all windchests and actions to meet current electrical code
· Re-leathering of the actions for the organ's tuned percussion voices: Xylophone, Glockenspiel, Marimba, Sleigh Bells, Vibraharp, Chrysoglott and Cathedral Chimes
· Refurbishment of the organ's piano located high-up on the right side of the proscenium arch
· Re-leathering of the action for the organ's 20 traps, drums, cymbals and sound effects
· Re-leathering of the 42 swell shade pneumatic motors (louvers in front of the pipes that provide volume control)
· Plaster repairs to the pipe chamber walls and ceilings
· Pipe repairs due to metal fatigue and general wear & tear
· Professional tonal finishing services (the process of "voicing" the instrument to produce the most beautiful tone, clarity and volume)
· Installation of additional work lighting to improve safety and facilitate future repairs

Tickets: Musica Curiosa tickets are $20.00 in advance (not including fees) and are available online at www.stgpresents.org, by phone at (877)STG-4TIX or (877)784-4849, in person at The Paramount Theatre box office, Monday through Friday 10:00am-6:00pm and The Paramount and Moore Theatre venue kiosks, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. The Paramount Theatre is located at 911 Pine Street in downtown Seattle.
About Seattle Theatre Group: Seattle Theatre Group is the 501 (c)(3) non-profit arts organization that operates the historic Paramount and Moore Theatres in Seattle, Washington. Our mission is to make diverse performing arts and education an integral part of our region's cultural identity while keeping these two landmark venues alive and vibrant. STG presents a range of performances from Broadway, off-Broadway, dance and jazz to comedy, concerts of all genres, speakers and family shows - at both historic theatres in Seattle and venues throughout the Puget Sound and Portland, Oregon.

 

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