Norma - the Town Hall Organ
Norma is a rare piece and Dunedin has been lucky to house it in the Town Hall. Few instruments of its era have survived, and the combination of orchestral tone colours and percussion with conventional organ sounds are unusual features, making it a magnificent part of the Town Hall.
Her history
Norma was originally built in 1919. The 23-ton instrument travelled England and was set up in halls and theatres as part of a vaudeville show. The failure of this enterprise left the organ in the hands of builders Hill, Norman and Beard who continued to tour the instrument, leasing it to impresarios.
The organ was later enlarged and installed in Wembley Stadium for the 1924 Exhibition at which it accompanied massed singing and played with brass bands and orchestras. When the Wembley Stadium Exhibition closed, Norma was installed in the opera House at Tunbridge Wells. Then came the great shift to Dunedin!
When Norma arrived in Dunedin, plans for a town hall were underway. With this in mind, the Paterson family gifted (originally anonymously) the organ to the City.
The organ was further enlarged for the Town Hall, and its case was designed by the town hall architects and built locally. The organ was affectionately called "Norma" after one of the builders.
Restoration of the organ
Increasing problems and failures are expected when the organ has been in the town hall for over 60 years, and in use for more than 70. The organ required ongoing restoration, and New Zealand's South Island Organ Company was contracted to perform the work.
Care has been taken to ensure any repairs do not alter the basic sound of the organ. The process has however included upgrading the console with the latest playing accessories. This allows players greater flexibility in the use of the instrument's resources.
The responsiveness of the key-touch has been improved, and the old switchgear has been preserved in a working display inside the organ case.
Norma today
The original organ building's high quality means Norma has continued to play even through periods when the symphonic style was highly unfashionable. During these periods, many great organs were rebuilt and altered beyond recognition.
The success of Norma's restoration has meant the instrument continues to play, and the work of a fascinating period of organ construction has been conserved for the enjoyment of all who listen.
Last reviewed: 25 May 2009 9:37am
Phone us on 477 4000
