Wednesday 25 February 2015


SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN             PRESERVATION SOCIETY.

SECURING THE FUTURE OF THE FORMER SUNDERLAND ODEON COMPTON ORGAN.

Next Concert... Sunday 15th March 2015 at 2.30 pm. The Society present Elizabeth Harrison at the "Mighty Compton"

Elizabeth at home with Theatre or Electronic organs.

Elizabeth at the Roland electronic.
Elizabeth Harrison was born in Preston, Lancashire in 1974. She was interested in piano and organ from an early age, and soon became very accomplished on both instruments. Elizabeth has been on the concert circuit for 20 years playing at venues up and down the country, and is an extremely popular entertainer.

Concert Venue...Ryhope Community Centre, Black Road, Ryhope, Sunderland SR2 0RX (use side red door).

Last Concert review...

On Sunday 22nd February, we welcomed Cameron Lloyd  to the console for a truly memorable  and exciting afternoon. This extra concert added to the 2015 programme was to support the work of the Ryhope Community Association, and all the ticket money was to go to this cause. Cameron took an interest in the theatre organ from the age of 11, following a visit to the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom to hear the wonderful WurliTzer organ. He developed his playing style under the guidance of the Civic Hall Wolverhampton resident organist Steve Tovey, and now plays for concerts and dancing all over the country. He is also heavily involved in organ maintenance and installation work. This was his first visit to play the ex Odeon Compton, and he did say how much he had been looking forward to playing it. The concert was well attended, and the audience really warmed to Cameron's exciting playing, and many of the selections were played in the unmistakable bright and brezzy "Blackpool" style.  We enjoyed compilations of toe-tapping show tunes, musical comedy and marches. Another feature were popular numbers from the 1970's, which as Cameron said was about as up to date as it gets for him! Award winning themes from the cinema were included, and towards the end of the concert some great sing-a-long numbers. Cameron has a great love for the playing of the legendary Reg Dixon and many pieces reflected this style. Cameron gave us Sunderland folk greetings from Reg's daughter Jill, which brought a personal touch to those Dixon style tunes. The closing piece of "12th Street Rag" just about lifted the roof, and all agreed it had been a superb afternoon, and we look forward to a return engagement in 2016. It was lovely to see other family members that journeyed north with Cameron including his Mum and Gran.


Cameron Lloyd at the Mighty Compton


Cameron and his Mum.


Cameron, and the "blog" writer... in on the act.
Future Concerts...

On Sunday 17th May Keith Beckingham will be travelling from the Cotswolds to play for us. For over 50 years, Keith has played organ and piano for concerts worldwide, and has a very popular following for his own distinctive playing style. He can often be heard on the long running BBC Radio 2 programme "The organist Entertains".


Ever popular Keth Beckingham.


On Sunday  July we welcome to the console Matthew Bason. Matthew began his performing career in 1994, he was originally classically trained on the piano, but from the age of 12 began to teach himself the organ. Matthew won the ATOS young organist competition in 1999 and other awards followed. In May 2014 Matthew became the UK artiste for Allen Organs UK, who are builders of fine electronic instruments.


Matthew Bason at an instrument in the USA.

Matthew at the "Beer WurliTzer".

Members Sunday afternoons...

Confirmed dates Sundays 8th and 22nd March, also 12th and 26th April, from 1.30 pm until 4 pm each day. Come along and play, or just listen to the Mighty Compton Organ. If members wish to have a look around the organ pipe chambers etc., someone will gladly show you "behind the scenes".


Member Chiho Sunamoto has a recent practice session.


From the archives...

The picture below is of the popular organist Doreen Chadwick playing for a concert in the Odeon Cinema organised by "Top Rank".

Doreen Chadwick at the console for an Odeon concert.


The percussion instruments in the Odeon Cinema chambers.


A view from behind...the crescendo pedal left, the middle and right are the swell shutter pedals. (In the Odeon Cinema)

David connecting wind line to the "Tuba" tremulant. Part of the organ relocation work at Ryhope.


Robin Roper underneath one of the wind chests, checking contacts. (Odeon Cinema)
The Compton console in the 1970's with decorative music stand.


Contact us...

email... ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com
See the "expanding" Facebook page "Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society"
details also available on http://www.organfax.co.uk

Thanks to advertising help from Olive Thompson (Sunderland Echo)
Also Communications Officer Audrey at Sunderland VCA
posted by Neville.