Mechanical Organ Owners Society
in conjunction with Melody Tours
Tour Montparnasse 2014
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
Sunday 16th November
Our first destination was a regular stop for the MOOS Tour- the Open Day of the De Voer family at Ulvenhout. This event, which has become increasingly popular in recent years, is dedicated to fairground organs of German origin. Visiting organs were also be present in addition to those normally kept at Ulvenhout, and we had plenty of time to hear the instruments play in turn.
Our first destination was a regular stop for the MOOS Tour- the Open Day of the De Voer family at Ulvenhout. This event, which has become increasingly popular in recent years, is dedicated to fairground organs of German origin. Visiting organs were also be present in addition to those normally kept at Ulvenhout, and we had plenty of time to hear the instruments play in turn.
The next location is a new one for us! We visited the Koos Meulkens collection in Den Haag where we saw two street organs together with the newly rebuilt and expanded, “Mortier Montparnasse”. Originally sold into the preservation world as a modest Mortier orchestrion without a façade, the instrument has progressively been expanded into its present form, taking pride of place in the collection.
In the evening, we enjoyed the annual party at 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”. There was also a guest organ presented by Ruud Brienen. We enjoyed a full evening of music from all the organs at this renowned collection.
Monday 17th November
For the first time, we visited the collection of Ruud Vader at Basingerhorn. The collection focused on German fairground organs and includes the unique spectacle of two Model 38 Ruth organs, the largest size of instrument built in quantity by the firm. We also enjoyed organs by Richter, Wellershaus and Carl Frei to be providing music for us.
For the first time, we visited the collection of Ruud Vader at Basingerhorn. The collection focused on German fairground organs and includes the unique spectacle of two Model 38 Ruth organs, the largest size of instrument built in quantity by the firm. We also enjoyed organs by Richter, Wellershaus and Carl Frei to be providing music for us.
We then went to visit the Museum Dansant at Hilvarenbeek. This collection is displayed in a building of palatial grandeur and includes instruments by Mortier, Decap, Marenghi and Toon Heesbeen.
Tuesday 18th November
Another new destination! We visited the new organ hall of Jan and Claudia van Eede in Westrode-Wolvertem. The hall is home to two 105 key semi-electronic Decap organs and for the time being the magnificent but rarely seen 121 key Decap organ “De Century”.
Another new destination! We visited the new organ hall of Jan and Claudia van Eede in Westrode-Wolvertem. The hall is home to two 105 key semi-electronic Decap organs and for the time being the magnificent but rarely seen 121 key Decap organ “De Century”.