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STAR OF RADIO 2'S 'THE ORGANIST ENTERTAINS' TO PERFORM AT FOLLY FARM

The organist and Radio 2 presenter, Nigel Ogden, really will 'entertain' when he plays Folly Farm's Mighty Wurlitzer Organ in September

25 August 2010, Folly Farm, Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire: Nigel Ogden, presenter of Radio 2's popular music programme 'The Organist Entertains' really will be the organist entertaining Folly Farm's audience when he performs on the attraction's Mighty Wurlitzer Organ in September.  'The Organist Entertains' has been running as a regular weekly feature playing popular organ recordings and interviews since 1969, following a pilot show in April that same year.  As well as presenting the programme on Radio 2 Nigel travels the country performing concerts of popular light and light classical music on theatre organs and in churches, cathedrals and church halls.  Folly Farm installed the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ in purpose-built chambers above the entrance to the Follies Theatre in May 2009 and has to date hosted two sell out organ concerts. 

Ben Snowdon, who installed and maintains the Mighty Wurlitzer for Folly Farm, enthused about Nigel Ogden's first performance at Folly Farm; "This is a rare opportunity to hear a renowned organist play live on the magnificent theatre organ at Folly Farm.  Pembrokeshire listeners to his Radio 2 show on a Thursday night will be well used to hearing his expert commentary and this is a unique opportunity to hear his organ playing talents.  I would encourage you all to book your seats for a fabulous evening not to be missed!"

Nigel Ogden, spoke about his upcoming performance at Folly Farm; "I can't tell you how delighted I am that the ex-Gaumont, Manchester Wurlitzer is all set to be heard once again, in its new home at Folly Farm.  This instrument has a very special place in my heart as it was, in fact, the very first Wurlitzer theatre organ I ever played around about what seems like a hundred years ago!

"I also made my playing debut on 'The Organist Entertains' playing the Gaumont Wurlitzer at a special young organists' concert presented by Robin Richmond and the BBC in association with the Lancastrian Theatre Organ Trust.

 "I took part in the closing concert at the Gaumont, Manchester and re-opened the Wurlitzer in its most recent home in the Granada Studios tour complex.  So, as you can see, this particular organ has played a significant part in my life for many years and I sincerely hope many more people will be introduced to the sounds of the Mighty Wurlitzer." 

Nigel started playing the organ when he was 12, having studied the piano for a number of years. His father was a church organist, so he says he had plenty of opportunity to find out about and discover the instrument for himself.  Nevertheless, it was the family trips to see Reginald Dixon at the Wurlitzer in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom that really got him hooked on the beauty of the instrument.

Nigel Ogden will perform on The Mighty Wurlitzer at Folly Farm on Saturday 11th September 2010.  Tickets are £8 per person and the concert begins at 7pm.  Tickets are available from the Folly Farm Box Office on 01834 812731.

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For press enquiries please contact;

Zoe Wright
PR and Marketing Manager
Tel: 01834 815032
Email: zoe@folly-farm.co.uk