Mechanical Organ Owners Society
in conjunction with Melody Tours
The Canadian Conundrum 2015
Join our legendary annual 'MOOS Tour' to the continent
Visit collections & museums in a wonderful social backdrop
Visit collections & museums in a wonderful social backdrop
Saturday 14th November
Our first stop was the Dancing Parasol, near Zottegem, one of few remaining café-dancings in Belgium to feature an organ. Our evening meal was accompanied by music from the 105 key Albert Decap organ installed there.
Several MOOS Members chose to then get a late night taxi to visit the famous Café Beveren with its Decap organ.
Our first stop was the Dancing Parasol, near Zottegem, one of few remaining café-dancings in Belgium to feature an organ. Our evening meal was accompanied by music from the 105 key Albert Decap organ installed there.
Several MOOS Members chose to then get a late night taxi to visit the famous Café Beveren with its Decap organ.
Sunday 15th November
We were amongst the first to hear the newly restored organ “De Canada” at the Gebr Decap works in Antwerp. Although owned by the Claes family for many years, this imposing but softly voiced instrument has been hidden away awaiting restoration. Closely related in mechanical design to the Bursens organ at St Albans Organ Theatre, it once stood in the “Canada” café on the dockside in Antwerp, not far away from the Café Beveren, but where the name of the café and its organ originated from nobody seems to know.
The Decap works is also home to a number of other organs including the 92 key “Jan de Koffie” and the 121 key organ “De Metro”.
We were amongst the first to hear the newly restored organ “De Canada” at the Gebr Decap works in Antwerp. Although owned by the Claes family for many years, this imposing but softly voiced instrument has been hidden away awaiting restoration. Closely related in mechanical design to the Bursens organ at St Albans Organ Theatre, it once stood in the “Canada” café on the dockside in Antwerp, not far away from the Café Beveren, but where the name of the café and its organ originated from nobody seems to know.
The Decap works is also home to a number of other organs including the 92 key “Jan de Koffie” and the 121 key organ “De Metro”.
Our next destination was the Open Day of the De Voer family at Ulvenhout. This event is dedicated to fairground organs of German origin. Visiting organs were also present in addition to those normally kept at Ulvenhout, and we had plenty of time to hear all the instruments.
Monday 16th November
Today we enjoyed a full day visit to the magnificent Museum van Speelklok tot Pierement (now known as the Museum Speelklok) in Utrecht. This collection encompasses all types of mechanical music including music boxes, automata, orchestrions and of course organs! First established following a temporary exhibition in 1956, it has grown to become what might be considered the leading collection of mechanical music in the world, such is the number and variety of instruments to be seen and heard. As the museum was closed to the public on a Monday, we had free reign to hear whatever we wish at length, something that can never be enjoyed by the general visitor.
Today we enjoyed a full day visit to the magnificent Museum van Speelklok tot Pierement (now known as the Museum Speelklok) in Utrecht. This collection encompasses all types of mechanical music including music boxes, automata, orchestrions and of course organs! First established following a temporary exhibition in 1956, it has grown to become what might be considered the leading collection of mechanical music in the world, such is the number and variety of instruments to be seen and heard. As the museum was closed to the public on a Monday, we had free reign to hear whatever we wish at length, something that can never be enjoyed by the general visitor.
After a break for dinner we visited the Kunkelsstichting in Haarlem. Taking its name from the imposing Kukelsorgel Marenghi that stands at one end of the hall, this is an outstanding collection of street and dance organs, including the street organs “De Jupiter” and “De Grote Blauwe”.
Tuesday 17th November
Finally, a much requested return visit to Decap Herentals was on the itinerary. Tony, Frank and family showed us how the latest technology is being used to build both pipe and electronic organs which can be built up on a modular basis and achieve some amazing musical effects. We also saw a new 121 key pipe organ that is now nearing completion.
Finally, a much requested return visit to Decap Herentals was on the itinerary. Tony, Frank and family showed us how the latest technology is being used to build both pipe and electronic organs which can be built up on a modular basis and achieve some amazing musical effects. We also saw a new 121 key pipe organ that is now nearing completion.
