Barry Brinson is one of New Zealand’s most versatile musicians, with interests ranging from classical organ and jazz piano, to composing and arranging, and directing choral and instrumental ensembles.
He has been a Lay Clerk and sub-organist at Christchurch Cathedral, and director of the Cathedral Singers, the Cathedral’s auxiliary adult choir. For many years he also directed the music for regular jazz services, composing music for a Jazz Mass which has been presented in Cathedrals in New Zealand, Australia and the UK. He is currently organist at the Oxford Terrace Baptist Church in Christchurch.
Barry’s interest in Theatre Organ arose from playing the mighty Wurlitzer at the Southward Museum, in Paraparaumu, and other cinema organ installations in New Zealand, Australia and UK.
His skills at improvisation, both in the jazz and cinema styles are prodigious.
As a composer and arranger, he has written much music for choirs, hymn tune and song settings for the New Zealand Hymnbook Trust.
His latest work, a setting of six Shakespeare Songs, for choir, piano, flute and double bass is due to be performed for the first time by the Hamilton Civic Choir in September.
Most of the first half of Barry’s Organ at the Movies will consist of a "typical" theatre organ selections programme, including music from Broadway, marches, and classic American composers such as Richard Rodgers, Cole Porter, George Gershwin.
He will also present two short silent film clips, with musical accompaniment in "cinema organ" style. (giving away no secrets at this stage!)
The second half will consist of an edited version of the 1929 Phantom of the Opera, with Lon Chaney as the Phantom, and Mary Philbin as Christine. This film was a milestone in "scary horror" movies when it was first produced, and contains some stunning scenes in hand-coloured Technicolor.
Music is drawn from the score of Gounod's opera Faust - around a performance of which the movie is based. Other incidental music is drawn from French classical composers, and Barry's own improvisations.
Barry states “There are also some surprising sound effects!”
The films are due to be shown on a large screen – at least three metres.
Organ at the Movies - Barry Brinson
Saturday, 31 July 2010, at 7 pm
Admission: Adults $15, Students $5, Door sales. General Admission.
St Matthew’s Anglican Church
Church Street, Masterton
Further enquiries about this event to Parish Office. Weekdays 9-1 pm 06 370 8589
