Sunday 7 September 2014

SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN PRESERVATION SOCIETY.
LOOKING AFTER THE MIGHTY 3/9 COMPTON ORGAN

NEXT CONCERT DETAILS...

Howard Beaumont at the console on Sunday 26th October 2014 at 2.30 pm.

Howard is a familiar and popular face on the national organ concert circuit. Born in Halifax he commenced piano tuition at the age age of 7 , later taking an interest in the organ. He has just completed his 27th season at the Scarborough Spa Complex where he played in afternoon sun court concerts and morning coffee dances. He has many recordings to his name and is regularly featured on Radio 2's "The Organist Entertains" programme. He lives in Scarborough so does not have too far to travel to play for us. A lively afternoon of music to suit all tastes is in store, and this concert is certainly not one to miss.

Howard at the Scarborough Spa Complex.




Howard Beaumont at the console (not to be missed!).

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

LAST CONCERT ...

Our concert on Sunday 7th September was a real treat. It featured David Warner at the console on his third visit to play for us, travelling from Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire. David's choice of music was quite splendid and included selections from the "shows"... Sound of Music, Phantom of the Opera, Merrie England, Mary Poppins were just a few in his most entertaining programme. Using all the versatility of sounds that the mighty Compton could make, he played a lovely rendition of the intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana, and ever popular "sing along" tunes associated with the two World Wars. An excellent afternoon of music to suit all tastes.


David at the console.

OTHER NEWS...

The North East Theatre Organ Association who own the WurliTzer organ housed in a former chapel in Howden-le-Wear, held a public open day on holiday Monday 25th August 2014. The Association Committee kindly allowed the Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society to bring our display boards showing the life, and times of the Sunderland Compton Organ. The day was well attended and it was an opportunity to promote the work of our Society, and give publicity to future concerts. We hope from the interest shown that a few more folk will come alone to the concerts at Ryhope Community Centre. During the day, John Heslop NETOA chairman gave a number of "behind the scenes" tours, and a rare chance to get close to the instrument, and see how it all works. John also explained how it was operated from the impressive console, bringing into play all the effects, the percussion instruments, and the vast array of sounds. For 38 years the WurliTzer console rose from the depths of the orchestra pit in the New Victoria Theatre in Bradford where it entertained patrons with musical interludes.Since the organ was first played in its present home in 1986 many thousands of visitors have come along to marvel at the sights and sounds of this splendid instrument. We also learned how it was used to accompany silent movies, and we enjoyed some vintage films including an ever popular "Buster Keaton". Bob Chilton also entertained us on this splendid instrument several times during the day, and certainly put the organ through its paces.
We thank NETOA for their generous hospitality to our Society on the open day, and would warmly commend their concert programme to you.
Details www.netoa.org

Three manual, 19 rank WurliTzer organ.


John explains the "workings" of the console.



Bob Chilton entertains us at the WurliTzer. 

The representatives of the Ryhope Compton Organ group, and the display boards.

National Heritage Open Weekend...

The society will have the organ available to view, listen to, and give give behind scenes tours of the chambers on Sunday 14th September between 11 am and 4 pm.
Come and hear how it all combines to bring out the magnificent sound of the mighty Compton organ.




MEMBERS SUNDAYS...

Come along hear, and indeed play the mighty Compton organ or just to have a chat about it over a cup of tea.
Sunday
Confirmed dates
Sundays 14th and 28th September, also 12th October
from 1.30 pm until about 4 pm.
Please note that Sunday 14th September is Heritage Open Day and the "Organ" features in the national programme of activities (11 am until 4 pm).

FROM THE ORGAN ARCHIVES

Howard Beaumont plays for us at the next concert in October. In this archive picture from the late 1970's a young Howard plays the mighty Compton in the Odeon cinema.

Howard at the console.


Reg Dixon played the Compton in the Odeon cinema on two occasions, 1975 and 1977. The photographs below show the warmth and smiling face of Reg in 1975, and through the flower arrangement at the console.



Reg, a warm and friendly personality.

Reg at the console in 1975.

Last Concert of 2014... 

The Christmas Concert and the last of 2014 is to be held on Sunday 21st of December at 2.30pm, and will feature Joanne Naulls at the console. Joanne travels from Gainsborough in Lincolnshire to play for us. From a musical family, At an early age Joanne had church organ lessons, developing an interest in electronic organs she was soon playing for dances. After leaving school at 17, Joanne turned full time professional playing for dances, and public concerts up and down the country.



The Christmas concert with Joanne Naulls 
First Concert of 2015...



The opening concert of the 2015 season will feature the ever popular Cameron John Lloyd on Sunday 22nd February at 2.30pm. This is a special concert, and admission is by donation. All ticket money going to support the Ryhope Community Association who provide the home for the mighty Compton organ.



If you are interested in membership of the Society, and would like to help out at concerts, with the raffle, refreshments, ticket sales or indeed organ maintenance please get in touch at the email address below.

The Society would like to express our grateful thanks to Audrey and the team at Voluntary and Community Action, Sunderland (VCAS) for help with publicity and applications to help fund the repairs and renewals associated with the Organ.


Our appreciation also goes to Olive Thompson who prepares the Sunderland Echo "Down Your Way"section for Ryhope, and to Beverley Glover for the mention in the what's on listings.

posted by Neville
email ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com