About the Theatre Organ Society of Australia (ACT Division) Incorporated

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The Albert Hall Compton Theatre Pipe Organ console
(Click on the image above to view the image full size)

The Theatre Organ Society of Australia was formed in the 1960's when a group of Sydney enthusiasts came together with the aim of preventing some of the more famous remaining Theatre Organs from being broken up and therefore lost forever. The idea caught on and similar groups started other divisions throughout the country. Australia is not unique in this and similar groups have been formed throughout the world.

The A.C.T Division of TOSA began in 1972 with the aim of promoting the art and tradition of the Theatre Pipe Organ in Canberra. To achieve this, the Society was determined to own and maintain an instrument to provide education and entertainment for members of the public. A great step towards this objective was achieved in 1978 with the acquisition of the Compton Theatre Pipe Organ and the approval by the then Department of Territories for our organ to be installed in the Albert Hall. This historical and graceful building is the only venue in Canberra with the architectural decor of the period of the theatre pipe organ and the Compton was seen to be well matched to the acoustics of this hall.