2005 Concert Diary
Concerts at 8:00pm on the third Wednesday of every month
Admission charge: £3.50 (Members £2.50) Accompanied children FREE
Our Venue now has a lift!
January 19th HOWARD BEAUMONT
We open our 2005 concert season with one of the finest artistes on the concert circuit. Howard Beaumont has long been one of the UK's top professional organists who is highly regarded and respected by many other professional players. Howard has become synonymous with Scarborough where he entertains holidaymakers at The Spa Suncourt throughout the summer. Howard also provides music for dancing and musical shows as well as touring the country in concert and he and his wife Maralyn, also organise and present a series of very popular organ festivals in Scarborough’s magnificent Clifton Hotel.
February
16th
MICHAEL WOOLDRIDGE
Michael’s success in the organ world is equalled only by his skills as a pianist which has enabled him to play for various events and functions at a great diversity of venues from Butlin’s Holiday Camps to The Savoy Hotel in London. His work has brought him into contact with many celebrities from pop legends to opera singers and television personalities which include the cast of “The Black and White Minstrel” Shows.
March
16th
TONY WHITTAKER
Although a new name on the concert scene, Tony
Whittaker comes from a background that includes musical theatre, dance bands and
cabaret. Tony’s taste in music is extremely varied and he is quite at home
playing in a backing role or as bandleader with his various groups, playing for
a variety of events large or small. If you like
real
music - standards, the songs with “proper”
melodies and harmonies then you’ll love the wonderful sound of Tony Whittaker. 
April 8th to 10th The NEDOS MUSICAL WEEKEND
at The Seacroft Hotel, Skegness. Join us for a weekend of good food, good company and great music in a top seafront hotel.
April
20th
DAVID THOMAS
We are delighted to welcome back one of the nicest guys in the business! David Thomas has entertained us both here at The Markham Hall and at our Musical Weekend in Skegness. David’s popular easy-listening music, his relaxed style and gentle humour have made him a firm favourite not only of our members but also amongst society and festival audiences throughout the country. As one of Roland’s team of players David will be playing the latest Atelier model.
May
18th
RYAN EDWARDS
Ryan has become renowned for his big sound and stunning musical arrangements that span all styles and eras from Classics to Orchestral, Musicals to pop. Ryan understands the need to awaken new interest in the organ especially in his own generation by appealing to both traditional and modern tastes His continued popularity on the concert circuit could well be the result of his fresh approach to organ playing which is reflected in the widely contrasting styles of music in his concert programme.
June
15th
PHIL TEMPEST
You just can’t help liking Phil! He is undoubtedly the North East’s most popular player whose generous proportions are matched only by his warm, friendly personality. Phil’s music never fails to set your feet tapping and his gentle Geordie humour endear him to audiences throughout the country. It is four years since Phil last visited our society and we are delighted to welcome him back to entertain us once again.
July
20th
STEVE LOWDELL
Steve is undoubtedly one of the Organ World’s great characters whose first-class entertainment has made him a favourite amongst audiences nationwide. Steve’s musical repertoire spans an enormous range from county to pop, jazz to classical and his style and sounds are unique. Add to that his sparkling wit and repartee, his superb musical talent and his sheer professionalism and we have all the makings of another memorable evening.
August
17th IAN GRIFFIN
Ian visited our society for the first time in September 2002 and left our audience demanding his return. Ian is frequently seen at organ and keyboard festivals throughout the country both as an accomplished solo performer and as one half of the incredibly popular keyboard duo, “Keyklix”. In contrast to the usual instruments we see on our stage, Ian plays a variety of individual keyboards and pedals to produce a unique range of sounds that have been described by many experts as being unmatched by any single instrument on the market today
September 21ST DANIEL WATT
Daniel is an extremely talented and versatile young man who is equally at home playing in concert, for dancing or cabaret. Daniel drew tremendous acclaim when he performed at our musical weekend in March last year and now we are delighted to welcome him on his first appearance at The Markham Hall.
October
19th
CLAUDIA
HIRSCHFELD
*Special
Star Concert*
PLEASE NOTE THAT ADMISSION TO THIS CONCERT IS BY TICKET ONLY - £5.00
We are delighted to welcome a truly International Superstar of the organ world when Claudia Hirschfeld visits us to make her only appearance in this area during her 2005 UK tour. Claudia’s lively music and happy disposition endear her to audiences the world over and her incredible playing of the pedals has earned her the title “The Ballerina of the Organ”. This is a spectacular concert of sight and sound definitely not to be missed and demand for advance tickets is sure to be exceptional. Be sure to get yours early to avoid disappointment!
November 16th JOHN BOWDLER
As well as travelling around the country providing concerts for societies such as ours, John is one of the team of star organists who throughout the summer season, entertain thousands of dancers and holidaymakers by playing that most famous of all British theatre organs, -The Mighty Wurlitzer of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
December
21st TONY STACE
Tony Stace needs no introduction having entertained us on several previous occasions each time leaving our audiences demanding his return. This year Christmas is sure to go with a swing and the carols will certainly bounce along as the irrepressible Tony provides the fun and laughter for our famed Christmas Special!
As usual, a buffet will be served during the interval with crackers and streamers to add to the party atmosphere. Admission must be restricted to TICKET HOLDERS ONLY. There will undoubtedly be a huge demand for tickets which will be available to our members well in advance so don’t be disappointed - get yours early! Please not that this concert will commence 7:30 pm