The society had to find a new home due to the two-year redevelopment of Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens.

The first chords at a music society’s new home will be played this month.

Sunderland Pianoforte Society chair Eileen Bown, front, with, from right, society members Hana Knotek, Jean Wilson, Liz White and David Murray, with James Large from Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens | Sunderland Echo

placeholder image — Sunderland Pianoforte Society chair Eileen Bown, front, with, from right, society members Hana Knotek, Jean Wilson, Liz White and David Murray, with James Large from Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens | Sunderland Echo

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.

Since the 1960s, the society has hosted monthly recitals at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens with its rare Steinway piano kept in the Pottery Gallery.

However, with the museum closed until autumn 2028 for a major £13.6m redevelopment programme, and no longer able to accommodate the piano and recitals when it reopens, the society had to find a new home.

University of Sunderland of stepped forward and the society’s monthly recitals will now take place at the university’s Hope Street Xchange building on Hind Street, the first of which takes place this month.

The society is relocating to Hope Street Xchange, which is owned by University of Sunderland | Sunderland Echo

The recital will be performed by English classical pianist Martin Roscoe on Tuesday, October 27.

Speaking about moving homes, Eileen Bown, chair of Sunderland Pianoforte Society, 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.

* The first Sunderland Pianoforte Society 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.