Next Concert: Antonia Suhanova Sunday 14th Sept 3pm

Archive

The History of the Society

In the 2021–2022 season, Chester Music Society proudly celebrated its 75th anniversary—a milestone marking three-quarters of a century filled with passion, dedication, and a love for music.

The roots of the Society go back to the end of World War II. During the war, a lively group called the Arts for the People Committee had been organising musical events to lift spirits. By 1945, there was a strong desire to build something more lasting. On October 12th of that year, a meeting was held, and it was decided: a Music Society would be formed to bring regular concerts by top-class artists and to encourage music-making among local amateurs. Just a few weeks later, a public meeting drew 150 attendees, and within days, the Society had 116 members. That December, the first concert was held, headlined by pianist Moura Lympany. Big names followed—including Dr. Malcolm Sargent, who would become one of the Society’s presidents. Membership grew rapidly, reaching over 500.

Life was still tough in those early post-war years. Rationing was in full swing—even the Society had to apply for tea, margarine, and sugar rations for events! Despite the challenges, enthusiasm never wavered. The Society had three sections: Club, Choral, and Orchestral. Concerts at the Town Hall were so popular that members were asked to give up their seats if they couldn’t attend.

Between 1945 and 1947, the artist list read like a who’s who of the music world, including Kathleen Ferrier, remembered fondly for her extraordinary voice and humble charm. One member, Rosamond Banks, even shared a washbasin and a towel with her backstage—a treasured memory. The choir and orchestra quickly establishedthemselves, with performances like Haydn’s Creation in the chilly cathedral—complete with hail rattling on the roof, adding its own dramatic touch!

Throughout the years, many members have cherished memories—like carrying music stands in canvas bags or devising clever solutions to stop distracting foot-tapping during rehearsals.

By the late 1940s, the Society had become a key part of Chester’s cultural life. But the 1950s brought fresh challenges. As television and new gadgets entered homes, competition for leisure time increased. The orchestra eventually disbanded in 1962, but the Society kept going strong.

The 60s and 70s saw a revival, helped by arts funding, young talent, and media exposure. In 1978, the Society helped launch the Chester Summer Music Festival. Despite funding cuts in the 80s, the Society’s resilience—backed by dedicated members, sponsors, and local support—carried it through.

In 1988, the Youth Choir was born, later expanding to three choirs, bringing fresh energy and young voices into the fold. Over the past 30 years, the Society has continued to host brilliant performers, including BBC Young Musicians like the rising star Jess Gillam. The main choir now has around 90 members and continues to wow audiences under the direction of Graham Jordan Ellis.

Although the youth choirs have sadly come to an end due to falling numbers, the Society remains vibrant. With a focus on musical enjoyment and education for all ages, especially the next generation, Chester Music Society continues to make music matter.

Officers of Chester Music Society since 1946

Chairs of the Society

Dr H. A. Freeman 1946 – 1961
Mr C. A. Hayes 1961 – 1967
Mr L. R. Dawson 1967 – 1971
Dr I. B. Terrett 1971 – 1974
Miss C. M. Baxter 1974 – 1977
Mr J. I. Morris 1977 – 1981
Dr K. Lee 1981 – 1984
Dr E. B. Ranby 1984 – 1998
Mr J. D. Herson 1998 – 2001
Mr G. S. Smith 2001 – 2010
Mr D. Woods 2010 – 2022
Mr M Clarke 2022

Presidents of the Society

Listed below are the Presidents of the Chester Music Society since its foundation in 1946.

Sir Malcolm Sargent 1946 – 1954
Sir John Barbirolli 1954 – 1970
Sir Bernard Lovell 1971 – 2012
Terry Waite CBE 2012 – 2022
Martin Roscoe 2022 –

Vice Presidents of the Society

The Lord Bishop of Chester
The Lord Mayor of Chester
The Dean of Chester
Mr J I Morris
Mr M J P Cooke

Choral Repertoire (1946 to 2025)

Chester Music Society Choir has sung many major choral works since its foundation in 1946. They are listed below by year of performance.

Choral Repertoire archive
Generated by wpDataTables

 

Choral Soloists

The Chester Music Society Choir has worked with many well known professional soloists. Some of those who have performed with the Choir in recent years are listed below.

Choral Soloists archive
Generated by wpDataTables

 

Previous Celebrity Concerts

The Chester Music Society Celebrity Section has enjoyed concert performances by many well known performers since its foundation in 1946. They are listed below by concert season.

Previous Celebrity Concerts archive
Generated by wpDataTables

 

Previous Showcase Concerts

The Chester Music Society Showcase Section, formerly Club Section, has enjoyed concert performances by many local performers since its foundation in 1994. They are listed below by concert season.

Previous Showcase Concerts archive
Generated by wpDataTables