Monday 5 May 2014

SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN PRESERVATION SOCIETY

The next concert featuring the Mighty Compton 6th July 2014, and we will be entertained by Kevin Morgan at the console.
Venue... Ryhope Community Centre, Black Road, Ryhope, Sunderland SR2 0RX for 2.30pm prompt.

Our organist Kevin Morgan was born in Dorset and started playing piano at the tender age of three. He continued his music studies through secondary school and proceeded to Durham University to read for a degree in music (and indeed his "masters" and "professorship"). He was organist and choirmaster at Bolton Parish Church from 1986 to 1996, and developed a great musical partnership with the late Ron Curtis at the nearby Bolton Paramount Organ Studios, which housed two Compton Organs, one of which was from the Gateshead Regal Cinema. Kevin plays at concert venues all over the UK, and  has been featured many times on radio, including the broadcasts of "The Organist Entertains". A splendid afternoon of music is in store, don't miss it!

Kevin with his "keyboard" tie.


Organ News....

Concert given by Kelvin Kent.

Kelvin at the console of the Compton 3/9 at Ryhope.


On Sunday 4th of May the Society welcomed Kelvin Kent to play the Compton with an excellent programme of easy listening. We were well entertained by some fine music, including Rodgers and Hart selections, a rousing "Dambusters"march, and a splendid piece of "Bach" in church organ style. A wonderful afternoon was had by all, listening to this talented young exponent of the instrument.

Kelvin has a morning warm up session on the organ.


The audience gather in the Community Centre Hall.

Sunderland History Fair....

On Saturday 7th June the Society will have a display table at the Sunderland Heritage/History Fair held in the Seaburn Centre on the Sea Front. Come along and see the many and varied attractions, and chat with us about the Organ, "Society" membership and the programme of Organ concerts.



Members visit to organ builders "Harrison & Harrison"

Members from the Society had the opportunity to visit the factory of the master organ builders Harrison & Harrison of Durham City. The organ building firm is one of the North East's historic and unusual industries. The business started in 1872 and was situated in one of those unremarkable terraces beside the Durham Railway Viaduct. The organs of famous cathedrals including Ely, St. David's, Coventry and Durham were built in the factory, St Alban's Abbey, the Royal Albert Hall and Westminster Abbey also house magnificent H & H instruments. Their organs were, and still bear the hallmarks of design and craftsmanship. The factory served them well in Durham city until 1996, when the firm moved a short distance to Meadowfield and purpose built premises. They employ a staff over over 40 and still enjoy a world wide reputation for making and restoring organs to meticulous standards of design and construction.

Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society AGM held on Sunday 27th April 2014 at 2 pm.

Among many areas of discussion at the meeting, the following significant points covered are highlighted. The Society is aggressively promoting the Society and concerts. The attendance must improve if concerts are to continue. organist fees and hall charges are not being covered by the ticket money, raffle and sales. We urge concert goers to bring someone along with them to help boost numbers. The Society will be represented at the Sunderland History/heritage Fair and the organ will be played during the Heritage Open Weekend in September (Sunday only). The Society is using Social Media ( various Facebook sites etc.) to publicize concerts. The Society is actively pursuing grants/sponsorship, and seeking "charitable status". It was stated that major work is required on the organ, which must be funded by some outside support. The Society is looking at outreach with local schools, and Sunderland University to generate interest among younger people. Suggestions for fund raising and concert promotion would be welcomed.


Sunderland "Ryhope" Compton Organ History.... 

Although the former Black's Regal and later Odeon Cinema is now part of the "Mecca Bingo" organisation it still retains a lot of the original "Art-Deco" features from the 1932 construction. A recent visit confirmed that these decorations, which are listed were still in place. The organ sounded through shutters which faced the circle, and from a mixing room the sound entered the auditorium through a grille known as the "Dancing Lady" (from the plaster pattern on it). The photographs below show the ornamentation, and now beautifully illuminated. Thanks to the Bingo Hall manager for the opportunity to take photographs.

The "Dancing Lady" feature of the 1932 construction.


Close up of the "Dancing Lady" feature.


The Auditorium still has its Art-Deco feel.
This photo taken by "Society" friend Bob Milner, shows this same feature in the Art-Deco style of the Stanley Park cafe in Blackpool.



Before the closure and organ removal, the Society engaged several well known organists to play the Odeon Compton including Reg. Dixon, Ron Curtis, and Doreen Chadwick and which were very successful. The Rank organisation became interested, and put on some concerts themselves including Jess Yates in 1981. He is well remembered for introducing the popular, and long running ITV show "Stars on Sunday", and for that matter his very colourful private life!

Jess Yates has a chat with the audience 1981 (NW)




Future concert date... Sunday 7th September
 DAVID WARNER.

Come and play or listen to the organ on the second and fourth Sunday of the month from 1.30pm to about 4pm.
Confirmed dates Sundays 11th May, 8th and 22nd June.

The Society acknowledges publicity for the concerts found on the website http://www.organrecitals.com

Concert details/membership/organ enquiries email....
ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com
posted by Neville