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

NEXT CONCERT DETAILS...

The next concert and the first of the 2015 season features the ever popular Cameron John Lloyd at the console of the mighty Compton on Sunday 22nd February 2015 at 2.30pm. This concert is in aid of the Community Association. The C.A. building (former Miner's Welfare Hall) provides the home for the ex Sunderland Black's Regal (Odeon) organ.

Cameron John Lloyd 

Cameron at the famous Blackpool Tower Wurlitzer.

Cameron at the Bowness "Royalty" Wurlitzer.

Cameron first became interested in the theatre organ aged 11 after a visit to the famous Tower Ballrom in Blackpool and listening to the Wurlitzer organ there. He started to develop his style on a Wurlitzer electronic organ, and progressed to a Compton pipe organ situated in the Civic Hall Wolverhampton where he received guidance from the City Organist Steve Tovey. Cameron has appeared on TV at the Compton of Bilston Town Hall where he has played for dancing every Thursday for the last six years. He has had several invitations to play the Tower Ballroom Wurlitzer and Cameron helps maintain the organ of the Opera House also in Blackpool. He has been heavily involved with the installation of a new organ in the Empress Ballroom, which Cameron officially opened on Sunday 7th December this year. He is a popular organist playing at venues the length and breadth of the country. He is very much a fan of the famous Reg Dixon and the "Blackpool Style", and this is evident in his "bright and breezy" approach to playing.
Concert venue Ryhope Community Centre, (use side red door), Black Road, Ryhope, Sunderland SR2 0RX.

REVIEW OF OUR LAST CONCERT...

On Sunday 21st of December we were entertained by our guest organist Joanne Naulls at the console. The attendance was better than we could have imagined, extra chairs being put out as more folk turned up. Her programme included many seasonal favourites in a lively "Blackpool" style.... toe tapping Christmas carols ... and what better than that. We were left in no doubt at all that Christmas was fast approaching, and this fine concert certainly set the mood for the season. Joanne entertained us with her stories about playing to people all over the country, and in the second half played in her "Santa Suit" which certainly excited one member of the committee who had made special request for it. A selection from "La Cage aux Folles" and a lively rendition of Rossini's "La Danza" interspersed the traditional theme. Audience participation carol singing concluded the afternoon, and the enthusiasm carried us well past the normal finishing time. As we departed all those lovely melodies were still ringing in our heads.

Sheila decorates the tree. Peter and David tune the organ. (20th Dec)

The audience gather in anticipation...extra chairs required!

Joanne at the console without Santa Hat.

Joanne complete with Santa Hat.

FUTURE CONCERTS...

Sunday 15th March at 2.30pm presenting Elizabeth Harrison at the console.

Elizabeth at the Roland electronic Organ

Born in Preston, Lancashire in 1974, Elizabeth has been on the the concert circuit for 20 years, entertaining folk up and down the country. She enjoys playing cinema organs and is not afraid to use the instrument to its full potential.

Sunday 17th May at 2.30pm guest organist Keith Beckingham.

Keith travels from the Cotswolds to play for us on the 17th of May. For over 50 years he has played organ and piano all over the world. He enjoys playing vintage cinema organs, and can often be heard on the ever popular BBC Radio 2 programme "The Organist Entertains"

Keith Beckingham

FROM THE ARCHIVES...

Three photos from Dave Wilson's collection taken in the former Black's Regal (Odeon) cinema in Holmeside, Sunderland. The blower providing the wind for the organ receives attention and can be seen in the first photo. The console with the distinctive music stand in the second, and the third is another view of the Odeon auditorium, with the organ up on the lift, and the dancing lady grill through which the organ sounded from the chambers behind. The elegant proscenium can be clearly seen. The photos from the 1970's are from the period when volunteers helped look after the organ and arrange celebrity concerts. The next two pictures reflect Black's Regal (Odeon) cinema during the time it was surrounded by quality shopping outlets, and when Holmeside was one of Sunderland's prestigious streets. The final image is an advert/poster for Black's Regal. Although undated the Royal Wedding reference suggests November 1934. The film featuring Schnozzle Durante in the "Great Schnozzle" would seem quite entertaining....perhaps someone may remember it? 

(late) David Robertson attends to the blower ( 1970's)

The console in the 1970's 

A splendid view from the circle with the "dancing lady" grill and organ beneath the proscenium.

Black's Regal when Holmeside had quality shopping.

Looking up Holmeside from Burdon House, with the Odeon tower on the left.

Undated.. but the Royal Wedding suggests November 1934

Members afternoons confirmed ...11th and 25th January, the 8th of February 2015 come along and play, or enjoy listening to the Compton organ.

For concert information or Society membership details please use the email address below.


posted by Neville
email ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com