One of Sunderland's oldest societies finds new home due to Winter Gardens redevelopment

One of Sunderland’s oldest music societies, which has been active since 1943, will be striking a chord in a new home in what’s been hailed as a ‘new era’.

Sunderland Pianoforte Society has been tickling the ivories on Wearside for more than 80 years after it was founded by a group of amateur piano players in one of their homes to keep music playing alive during the war.

“The society was started by a group of like-minded people who all played the piano, and some of them very well. It started in people’s houses, because back then there were a lot of domestic pianos,” explained the society’s chairperson Eileen Bown.

“What started as group of amateurs soon expanded as word got out.”

The society grew from just members performing to recitals from internationally-celebrated pianists and still hosts seasons in the city today, bringing world class musicians to Wearside.

It’s had many homes over the decades, but since the 1960s the society has hosted monthly recitals at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens.

But with the venue now closed for two years as it undergoes a major £13.6m redevelopment the society, and its rare Steinway piano, were left in need of a new home.

After seeing a number of venues, help came from the University of Sunderland who will now host the society permanently in its Hope Street Xchange building on Hind Street.

There’s one swan song performance in the Winter Gardens, which will open especially for the event, with a recital by Daniel Lebhardt in the Pottery Room on Tuesday, September 29.

It will be followed in the season with the first performance in the new home at Hope Street Xchange, which will be given by Martin Roscoe on Tuesday, October 27.

With the move comes the task of moving the society’s rare and unique piano, weighing half a tonne and measuring nine foot long, which is one of only six of its kind made in the world.

The grand Steinway Model D Concert Grand has been the centrepiece of the society’s recitals since 1960.

Speaking about how it came to be in their possession, Eileen explained: “With the society hosting more international artists, they needed an instrument that could match that quality

“Ted Ducker, a long-standing member and chairman, got in touch with English pianist Ronald Smith who travelled with him to try out pianos for the society.

“They found this piano in Steinway’s warehouse in London. It was built in 1902 in the Louis XVI style and is quite unique.

“It was one of only six ever made and they were commissioned for castles and palaces in Europe. This one had been in a castle but was returned after a year, hence why it was in the warehouse.

“It looks and sounds different and artists say they have never played another instrument like it - it’s our greatest asset.”

Speaking about moving homes, Eileen said: “It was very stressful for us at first and it’s a shame to leave the Museum & Winter Gardens. The staff here have been lovely and have become like family.

“But it’s interesting how things work out and we’re seeing this as a chance to start a new chapter and raise awareness of the society and move it forward.

“The university have also been fantastic. It’s the end of an era, but the start of a new one.

“We’ve been part of the musical life of Sunderland since 1943 and the society is far too precious just to be lost.”

A spokesman for the University of Sunderland said: "At the university, we are committed to creating spaces that bring people together.

“The opportunity to work with Sunderland Pianoforte Society is a wonderful example of how our facilities can be used beyond traditional business and educational purposes.

"We hope that their new home will provide a welcoming environment for members and audiences alike, and we look forward to seeing the society continue to grow and flourish as part of the wider Hope Street Xchange community."

Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens closed its doors at the end of August, 2026, as it undergoes its biggest redevelopment in years, which will see the creation of a new entrance, major upgrades and repairs and new gallery spaces. It is due to reopen in late 2028.

James Large, Business Development Officer at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, said: “It has been a privilege to host Sunderland Piano Society here at the museum over many years.

“We wish the society great success at their new venue, where they will continue to present outstanding performances by world class musicians.”

* The final recital in the museum will be given by Daniel Lebhardt on Tuesday, September 29 at 7.15 pm .

* The first recital in new venue, Hope Street Xchange, will be given by Martin Roscoe on Tuesday, October 27 at 7.15pm.

*Admission to recitals is free for members, however, all are welcome. Tickets at the door are £15; free for under 21s and full time mature students.