LOOKING AFTER THE EX REGAL/ODEON COMPTON (3/9) ORGAN.
OCTOBER 2015.
Next concert details...
Our Christmas concert features Stephen Austin at the console on Sunday 13th December 2015 at 2.30pm. Stephen makes a most welcome return visit to Ryhope Community Centre and we look forward to a programme of seasonal "treats" in his ever popular style. Stephen travels from the resort of Blackpool to play for us today. Born in 1952 he studied piano and organ from an early age. On leaving school, he found work with several organ companies as a demonstrator and then set up a photographic and organ business in Blackpool in 1974. He is a popular organist on the national organ circuit, playing for concerts up and down the country. We are sure he will bring the 2015 concert season to a splendid finale.
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| Stephen Austin. |
Review of our last concert...
On Sunday 18th October we warmly welcomed Society member Carl Heslop who travelled from Melton Mowbray to play for us. It was coincidentally Carl's 23rd birthday so we just had to sing to him the usual refrain. Carl mentioned too that it was 10 years ago since he first "had a go" on the Compton here at Ryhope. Moving on to the afternoon's entertainment, we had something quite different. Carl began by accompanying a Buster Keaton silent film called "Go West". The music was lively, exciting and dramatic to suit this hilarious old classic. Carl is familiar with this genre, playing for a number of years at the "Star and Shadow" cinema in Shieldfield (Newcastle). In the second half he played various selections including Cinema Organists signature tunes which featured among others those of Sydney Torch, Robinson Cleaver and Reg Dixon. The "Trumpet Tune" brought in a classical theme, and then some novelty pieces including "Dance of the three old maids", "Poor butterfly" and "Time on my hands". Carl accompanied another crazy silent film featuring the ever popular Charlie Chaplin in "The Fireman". A splendid afternoon's entertainment with a difference, and a pleasure to see Carl again.
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| The audience gather for Carl's concert & the Buster Keaton film ready! |
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| Carl Heslop. |
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| Carl at the console. |
The concert programme for 2016...
Sunday 21st February with Christian Cartwright.
Sunday 17th April with Paul Roberts.
(above concert kindly supported by "The Theatre Organ Club")
Sunday 19th June with Andrew Nix.
Sunday 21st August with Joe Marsh.
Sunday 18th September with Bob Chilton (proceeds to Macmillan cancer)
Sunday 16th October with Cameron Lloyd.
Sunday 11th December with Chris Powell.
All concerts start at 2.30pm and finish at about 5.
Sunday 21st of February 2016...
The first concert of the 2016 season features Christian Cartwright at the Compton. At the age of 3 years, Christian took an interest in the keyboard and a visit to Blackpool Tower to hear the organ got him "hooked". He progressed to electronic organ and developed a strong and individual playing style. Not only does he play concerts throughout the length of this country but has played in several well-known venues on some of the finest instruments in America as well. Christian is a Batchelor of Science having graduated from Staffordshire University. Not only is he an accomplished player but is interested in the intricate side of organ restoration. Together with his brother he is presently renovating a "Christie" organ. He will play for us a wide selection of music to suit all tastes and ages and involving his many styles of interpretation. This will mark a most excellent start to the 2016 programme, and we look forward to his visit.
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| Chris Cartwright at a splendid Compton (not ours!). |
Member's Sunday afternoons...
Come along and play, or just listen to the organ, with dates confirmed as Sunday 25th October, 8th and 22nd November from 1.30pm until about 4pm.
From the archives...
A selection of photographs of organists who have come to play for us at Ryhope.
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| Byron Jones with former Society chairman Ian Parsons. |
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| Peter Jebson with the organ and former chairman Ian P. |
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| Running repairs ..soldering tab connections. |
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| Back of the console and its complicated wiring. |
posted by Neville...
If you would like to help at concerts with the raffle, "meet & greet" etc please get in touch and
contact us at ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com
Use the above address regarding Society membership or speak to one of the volunteers at a concert.
see our "Facebook" page type in "Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society"
also http://www.organfax.co.uk
