Exciting times at the landmark Byrd Theatre! On January 10, 2025, The Byrd Theatre Foundation and Rohlfs Pipe Organ Services commenced the restoration process for the Tibia Clausa rank of pipes in the 1928 WurliTzer theater organ. Thanks to the generosity of a local family foundation in conjunction with a 2024 grant from the American Theater Organ Society, funding was secured to commence the project, for which we are extremely grateful. While the Tibia Clausa pipes are being restored, our house organist, Bob Gulledge, will continue to perform on the WurliTzer organ before nearly every film using the other ranks of pipes still in place.
Rohlfs Pipe Organ Services carefully disassembled the wooden pipes and associated pieces of the Tibia Clausa. Each piece was carefully labeled during the disassembly by hand from the organ chamber, a room high above the auditorium. Then, the pieces were loaded out of the Theatre and individually packed for the journey to their Virginia studio. This appears to have been the first time the pipes had been removed from the organ chamber since they were installed in the late 1920s. In addition to being fabricated from wood, the pipes have leather elements that have deteriorated over the past 96 years, necessitating the restoration at this time to allow the WurliTzer to continue to entertain and delight the current generation of Byrd patrons.
What is the Tibia Clausa?
It is a type of pipe organ pipe, one that is a large-scale, stopped wood flute pipe usually with a leather lip. The Tibia Clausa provides the basic foundational tone of the organ.
In 2023 and 2024, two diagnostic reports were commissioned by The Byrd Theatre Foundation, paid for with donated funds, in an effort to more fully understand the needs of our theater organ after nearly a century of use. The restoration of the foundation tone of the organ was listed as an important project that needed to be undertaken and completed.
The restored Tibia Clausa rank of pipes is scheduled to be installed in April 2025. As we prepare for our fall programming, additional restoration of other original organ elements will continue over the spring and summer. Thanks to additional grants and donor funds, we are fortunate to be able to do this work. The chimes and the existing Tuba rank of pipes are both expected to be playable again by the end of May 2025.
What lies ahead? Based on the diagnostic reports cited above, the Theatre will continue to fundraise for the WurliTzer organ to address the console and the main cable. As funds are identified and received, we will continue to make much-needed repairs to keep “the voice” of The Byrd Theatre singing for all to enjoy.
The Balcony at the start of the seat replacement project, January 2025
Irwin Seating Company delivery, March 2025
The Balcony with the original cast iron end aisle standards during reinstallation, March 2025
The Balcony ramp, Harris Electric Company electricians installing vintage light fixtures
The Balcony with new Irwin Seating Company seats during installation, March 2025
The W.M. Davenport Family Balcony bronze plaques by Noble Bronze, March 2025
About The Byrd Theatre Foundation
The Byrd Theatre Foundation owns and operates The Byrd Theatre. The Foundation was established in 2001 as a 50l(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with the mission to preserve the landmark Byrd Theatre while providing unique experiences for all.
