American Theatre Organ Society

Valley of the Sun Chapter

Phoenix, Arizona

The Magnificent Phoenix, Arizona Orpheum Theatre Wurlitzer!

(Now dedicated to the late William P. and Barbara Brown)

The Orpheum Wurlitzer rose as a Phoenix from the ashes, but it was a long difficult trip. Fund raising for the theatre itself ($14.5 million) did not include monies for the organ restoration. This did not discourage the Valley of the Sun Chapter who dedicated themselves to assembling, rebuilding, and installing the finest Wurlitzer possible at an estimated cost of $150,000. The project was spearheaded by Bill Brown, Adrian Phillips, Lyn Larsen and Don Reasor who advanced on several fronts. Adrian hammered out contracts with the city, permitting the chapter to install and maintain the organ in exchange for use of the theatre for concerts and programs. Lyn Larsen and Bill Brown started locating and acquiring organ parts, while Don Reasor headed the fund-raising project. Preliminary work was accomplished at Bill Brown's warehouse and workshop, until work could be accomplished later at the theatre.

The city agreed to double the size of the swell shade openings and provide larger chambers allowing the instrument to be expanded to 30 ranks. Many of the organ parts are part of history themselves. The installation includes a pair of 1948 Aeolian-Skinner Violes from the Tabernacle organ in Salt Lake City; an Austin Horn Diapason and Principal from the Solo division of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Hall organ; and the Wurlitzer three-manual console is from the Paramount Theatre in Middletown, New York. Fourteen of the Wurlitzer ranks are from the Radio City Roxy (Center) Theatre, in New York City. The organ also features Arizona history. The Style E Main Tibia Clausa and Open Diapason are from the Fox Theatre, Tucson. The Flute Celeste/Concert Flute is from the Fox Theatre, Phoenix. Ironically, the only part of the original instrument to be utilized is the 7 ½ horsepower Spencer "Orgoblo" blower. It assists a 10 hp Spencer, providing an adequate wind supply.

The organ was dedicated October 18, 1997 to nearly a full house with Lyn Larsen at the console. It was a flawless concert enjoyed by all.

SPECIFICATIONS

MAIN (Left Side)

SOLO (Right Side)

Concert Flute

Vox Humana

Open Diapason

Tibia Clausa (15")

Flute Celeste

Tuba Horn

Viole d'Orchestre

English (Post) Horn

Krumet

Salicional

Clarinet

Quintadena

Oboe Horn

Voix Celeste

Vox Humana

Horn Diapason

Viole

Horn Diapason Celeste

Viole Celeste

Trumpet (Style D)

Diaphonic Diapason

Musette

Brass Trumpet

Brass Saxophone

Tibia Clausa (10")

Orchestral Oboe

 

Kinura

Main (exposed)

Violin

Traps

Violin Celeste

Vibraphone (49 note)

Xylophone (37 note)

 

Glockenspiel (37 note)

Proscenium (exposed)

Chrysoglott (49 note)

Sleighbells (25 note)

Chimes (25 note)

Wood Harp (Marimba) (49 note)

 

 

 

SOLO (exposed)

 

Xylophone (30 note)

 

Glockenspiel (30 note)

Traps

Traps

 

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