Interview: Barry Morgan

The fast becoming-a-celebrity organ salesman Barry Morgan is packing up his Toyota Crown and crossing the Tasman ... 

We're delighted that your first overseas performance will be at Q in Auckland, New Zealand. Why were we your first choice?
To be the ultimate organ salesman you need to be as ... 'modern as tomorrow' and I was very excited about playing in a new state of the art theatre like the one offered at Q.

We're excited and intrigued about you - what excites and intrigues you about us?
I have a fascination with lighthouses so after I have sold the Hammond Aurora Classic I will be taking a drive around the coast in my trusty Toyota Crowne Royal Saloon to look at lighthouses. I hope to also take in some of the amazing organs in the old theatres and I have been reading a bit about ORGANZ, the association that looks after your beautiful pipe and theatre organs.

Australia and New Zealand share many close bonds. Do you think the organ can play a role in bringing us closer together?
My goodness the "joy of the organ" has the capacity to build bridges between even the most distant cousins. I think in the tradition of the ANZACS our country shares a commonality that can always be drawn closer with a jolly good singalong around the organ in the lounge room or parlour.
 
When did you first realise that you were destined to bring the world the 'joy of the organ'?
Well I was first attracted to the organ when I was a tiny little boy! My first teacher, Mr Murchison was a friend of Nancy's (my dear departed mother) and he insisted that playing the organ daily would be a great relief to a troubled young fatherless boy - like myself!
 
What should we expect when we attend your 'organ demo' at Q? 
The opportunity to listen to the 1979 Hammond Aurora Classic the ultimate spinet organ and the amazing twin Leslie speakers I have transported from Australia. I will be demonstrating some of the fabulous features on the instrument like the Melody Maker and the Fascinating Fingers as well as giving a lesson on my world famous 'One Finger Method'! Of course the organ is for sale and must be sold this week ... yes one lucky shopper will be going home with Barry's sensational organ package!
 
Do you have any rituals or routines that help prepare you for your demo?
A long tall glass of Campari and soda as well as a quiet little chat to Nancy ... my dear departed mother. I know she can hear me somewhere up there!
 
Q creates a new cocktail each week for guests and visiting acts to enjoy. What's your favourite cocktail and why? 
Well my goodness what a lot of fun you New Zealanders are! I'd have to say I do enjoy a Margarita. I like how the salt sits on the edge of the glass and gives you that special 'twang' - just like the Zither Arppeggiator  does on the Hammond Aurora Classic ... the ultimate spinet organ!
 
Barry Morgan's World of Organs plays at Rangatira from 7th May. Details here.

Show details

Show page:
Barry Morgan's World of Organs
Start date:
Monday May 7 2012
End date:
Saturday May 12 2012
Show times:
Venue:
Barry Morgan's World of Organs, 2012 NZ International Comedy Festival
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