LADY THEATRE ORGANIST

Evening Star, Issue 21630, 27 January 1934, Page 20

LADY THEATRE ORGANIST

By her prepossessing manner and her ability at the console of the Christie organ, Miss Iris Mason, 'who opened a season at the Empire Theatre yesterday, will undoubtedly win many frjends in Dunedin. In a chat the other afternoon it was learned that Mias-Mason takesa keen delight in her work, and is always on the look-out for a new novelty that will catch the fancy of the audience. Miss Mason was born at Christchurch, and at the age of six took her first lessons in piano-playing. In after years she transferred to Wellington, where she began her organ' tuition under the guidance of Mr H. Temple White, and after mastering the grand organ she turned her attention to the Wurlitzer. It was not long before she became a competent player on this latter typo of instrument, and an engagement at the De Luxe Theatre, Wellington, was accepted as a start in her career as a theatre organist. Wishing to further her experience as an exponent of the Wurlitzer, Miss Mason then went to Sydney and Melbourne, and after completing 'highly successful seasons at the State Theatre, Sydney, and the. Capitol Theatre, Melbourne, she returned to fulfil a further contract with the De Luxe Management. Speaking of an organist’s aim, Miss Mason said that orginality was the first consideration, and there was ample" scope for that. In all her programmes she endeavours to provide something original, something popular, and something of a classic nature to ensure that all sections of an audience will be satisfied.