Monday 7 September 2015

SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN PRESERVATION SOCIETY
RYHOPE COMMUNITY CENTRE, BLACK ROAD, RYHOPE, SUNDERLAND SR2 0RX.

Next Concert details...

We welcome Carl Heslop to the console of the Compton Organ on Sunday 18th October 2015 at 2.30pm. Carl comes from the North East of England, has strong local connections and is a member of this Society. He took an interest in the Cinema Organ from the age of 12, following on from classical organ and piano. His work is also connected with organs, and he is a voicer/tuner with Peter Collins organ builders. He is a popular and well-known organist on the concert circuit. A lively and entertaining selection of music is in store.

Carl Heslop
Carl at the Compton of the Hammersmith Apollo.
Last concert review...

On Sunday the 6th of September 2015 we were entertained by David Redfern  at the Mighty Compton. David travelled from his home in Belper, Derbyshire to play for us today in his exciting and lively style. David mentioned that he had a similar instrument to our Compton in his home, but without the tremendous acoustics of the Community Centre hall. His programme started with the RAF March Past, there followed a "Top Hat" selection, "Over the Rainbow", and a novelty piece "Neopolitan Serenade". We enjoyed quite a number of weather related tunes including, "Bring me Sunshine", "April Showers", "Singing in the Rain" and a few more. We visited the USA with a medley including, "Georgia on my mind" and "Pasadena". David had a chat to some of the audience during the Interval, and then the second half commenced with the "Carousel Waltz", a "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" selection, some poular tunes including "I dreamed a dream" followed by  about 20 minutes of hit tunes from the 1970's. Everyone agreed it had been a super afternoon with music to suit all tastes.


Audience start to gather for David Redfern's concert.

David with beaming smile at the console.

David at the Ryhope Compton.

Future concerts...

Our Christmas Concert to be held on Sunday 13th December 2015 at 2.30 features a return visit of the ever-popular Stephen Austin at the console. Stephen travels from his home in Blackpool to play for us. Born in Taplow (Buckinghamshire) in 1952  he studied piano and organ from an early age and on leaving school was offered a position with Hammond Organs (UK). Following on from that appointment he became a demonstrator for the prestigious London Cavendish Organ Centre. In 1974 he moved to Blackpool to open a photographic and organ retail outlet. Stephen is a most popular organist on the countrywide circuit and we look forward to a lively and seasonal concert bringing our 2015 season to its close.



Stephen Austin.
Stephen on a visit to Ryhope in 2013.

Heritage Open Weekend...

As part of the National Heritage Open Weekend the Compton Organ will be on display, and played. Society committee members will be on hand to answer questions about the organ and its fascinating history. There will be an opportunity to view the organ chambers, the ranks of pipes, the generation of the air supply to the system, and the special effects. Sunday 13th September 2015 from 11am until 4pm.





Members Afternoons...

Confirmed dates... 13th September (Heritage Open Sunday 11-4), Sundays 27th September, also 11th and 25th October (1.30-4). Come along and listen to, or play the Compton organ. Use the  email address to contact us for details.


David plays the Compton at a recent member's afternoon.

Picture memories from the Society archives...


David Redfern at the organ in 2010.

Andrew Nix with the former chairman Ian Parsons.

The popular (late) Carlo Curly at the Compton.

Surround removed, showing the tabs and contacts during maintenance.

posted by Neville Whaler
If you would like to help with the concerts please get in touch with us using the email address.
See and share our "Facebook" page, just type in "Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society".
write to us for concert details and Society information at...ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com
organ programme/history can be found on .. organfax.co.uk