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Wurlitzer Organ - Moorabbin Town Hall

Location

999 Nepean Highway,, MOORABBIN VIC 3189 - Property No B6099

File Number

B6099

Level

National

Statement of Significance

A four-manual "Wurlitzer Hope-Jones Unit Orchestra" of 21 extended ranks of pipework, percussions, effects and grand piano built in 1928-29 by the Wurlitzer Company, of Tonawanda, New York, for the State Theatre, Melbourne and moved to its present location in 1969. The instrument remains substantially intact, retaining its original console, mechanism and most of its pipework, although the second duplicate console was discarded before the move. It is of considerable cultural importance for its association with prominent theatre organists Arnold Coleman and Aubrey Whelan and the major musical events which took place in the theatre. Together with the similar Wurlitzer at the State Theatre, Sydney, it is the largest surviving theatre organ in the country.
Classified: 15/04/1992

Group