SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN PRESERVATION SOCIETY

CARING FOR THE ex BLACK's REGAL/ODEON MIGHTY COMPTON ORGAN

Next Concert Details... 

The Society present Matthew Bason at the console of the Mighty Compton on Sunday 12th July 2015 at 2.30pm.


Matthew travels from his home in Northamptonshire to entertain us. Although classically trained on the piano; at the age of 12 began to take an interest in the organ. He began his performing career in 1994 and in 1999 won the ATOS "young organist of the year" award and other recognitions have followed. He has played in this Country and in Europe, and has made a number of broadcasts. We look forward to his lively playing style.

The happy smile of Matthew Bason.

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

Last Concert Review...

On Sunday 17th May we welcomed to the console the ever popular Keith Beckingham who travelled from the Cotswolds to entertain us. We had a very good attendance for the concert which began with a "Showboat" selection. Tributes to Matt Munro and Edmund Hockridge followed and a few tunes from "Carousel". Keith recalled some humorous anecdotes during his time as Hammond Organ Co. representative in this Country and in Europe. Some waltz tunes followed and a selection of Italian songs including, "Arrivederci Roma", "Volare", and " Funiculi-Funicula". He remembered fondly many popular organists, especially Dudley Savage and his tribute to him included "Girl from Corsica", "Quando-Quando" and a few love songs. A Spanish selection followed including "Granada", then a South Pacific" arrangement, and a few from the 1960's including some "Beatles" numbers and "Telstar". We enjoyed a musical visit to America including "New York - New York" and a popular Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers selection. To conclude Keith played a tribute to Jackie Brown using all the organ effects and developing rich harmonies. A superb afternoon's entertainment with music to appeal to all tastes.

Keith Beckingham... a morning warm up session on the Compton.

Keith and the Society Chairman, Robin have a chat.

Keith at the console after the concert.

Notice of future concerts...

David Redfern on Sunday 6th September at 2.30pm.

David Redfern.

David.

 David started playing the piano at 7 years of age, electronic organ at 8 and theatre organ at 13! In 1983 he won the Scottish and ATOS "Young Organist of the Year" competition and other awards have followed. He has broadcast many times on radio,  has appeared on television and made several recordings. He travels from his home town of Belper in Derbyshire to play the Compton for us.

Carl Heslop on Sunday 18th October.

Originally from the North East of England, Carl travels from Melton Mowbray to play the Ryhope Compton. He started playing cinema organ at 12 years of age, although he had played classical organ for several years before. He is involved with organ restoration, and played for a number of years at the "Star & Shadow" cinema in Newcastle upon Tyne. In 2012 his work took him to Melton Mowbray where he is a voicer/tuner at Peter Collins organ builders. 

Carl Heslop.

Member's Sundays... 

Dates confirmed...14th and 28th June, come along and play or just listen to the Compton Organ from 1.30pm until 4pm. (use the email address below for further details)

David has a practice session on a member's afternoon.

From the archives...

World famous Blackpool Tower Organist Reg. Dixon played the Compton in the Sunderland Odeon Cinema on two occasions 1975 and 1977.

Reg turns to talk to the audience (1977)

Programme details about the organist.

The concert programme for Sunday 2nd November 1977.

Some period advertising and organ details.

Concert sponsors...the Jolly bus was a popular service on a route into Sunderland.

For Society membership or concert details please email  ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com
Posted by Neville