T2T: Trocadero to Troxy

Finding a home for a large theatre pipe organ is no easy task. The Biblical phrase "Many are called but few are chosen" was never more true, though in this case perhaps in a different context.

Over 70 potential locations were identified and scrutinised, not only for the technical feasibility of installing the organ, but also for the acoustics, the suitability of the building and its environment, and not least the commitment of the location owners to act as partners in a venture that would involve major changes to their property. Last and not least, the Trocadero Wurlitzer would have to be available for public enjoyment, practice and use.

Although several came close, it was the Troxy Stepney that won the day after five years of searching, and in a way that few dared dream. The building provides the perfect acoustic match for the instrument. It has organ chambers, left over from another long-departed Wurlitzer, easing the installation of the replacement (yet much larger) instrument. The venue provides high quality music, entertainment and conference facilities. Not least, the owners demonstrate positive enthusiasm and support for the project, and by one of those uncanny twists of fate, the Trocadero was a sister cinema to the Troxy. T2T, 'Trocadero to Troxy", was born.

Very significantly, it would be the first installation of a major theatre pipe organ in a British super cinema since the 1930's.

Once the scale of the task of providing organ chambers, refurbishing and installing the instrument became known, the Cinema Organ Society set about considering ways of funding the project.

A reinstallation fund had already been set up when the organ was removed from its previous home at the London South Bank University, and through the generosity of the University and of members' donations and bequests, the fund now stands at around £100,000.

Initial costings indicate that a similar amount again needs to be raised to complete the project, and with this in mind and recognising the advantages of charitable status, a decision was taken in 2010 to set up a charitable trust to give the most beneficial and focussed approach to fundraising. 

Hence the Trocadero Wurlitzer Trust was set up, and the project started in earnest. The following pages explain in more detail what is involved.

Trocadero Wurlitzer in the Toxy

Key activities