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Whenever Jelani Eddington sits down at Ngā Hau o Rēhia Baycourt Theatre’s ‘Mighty Wurlitzer’, audiences can expect the unexpected.

The internationally acclaimed organist is returning to Tauranga for The Mighty Wurli & the Maestro on November 4, bringing his extraordinary, signature style that has made him one of the world’s leading performers of the theatre organ.

Baycourt Theatre manager Reena Snook said Eddington’s career began at 13, when he became the youngest-ever winner of the American Theatre Organ Society’s Young Theatre Organist Competition.

“He was later named Theatre Organist of the Year. Since those early days, Jelani has performed widely across the US and the world as a concert artist, recording musician and educator.”

His work goes beyond live performance – he has released more than 30 albums, Snook said. “One of his most notable achievements is his viral performance of the Star Wars Symphonic Suite, which drew millions of views on YouTube and showcased his widespread appeal.”

For local audiences, this isn’t Eddington’s first encounter with Baycourt’s ‘Mighty Wurli’.

Snook said Eddington’s return offers the chance to hear the theatre’s much-loved instrument – as it approaches its 100th birthday in February – in the hands of a performer who understands not only its technical possibilities, but also its personality.

“The concert programme will traverse familiar pieces from stage and screen, and classic favourites. Audiences will experience music with a generous dose of nostalgia, yet Eddington’s style is far from old-fashioned.”

For theatre organ devotees, Eddington’s performance will be a welcome return.

For others, it is an opportunity to discover what happens when a world-class musician meets one of Tauranga – and New Zealand’s – most remarkable musical instruments.