Home Page Forthcoming Concerts About us Members Page M.D. & Accompanist links Contact Us About usBEGINNNINGIn 1953 Dr Philip Marshall, organist at The Stump, started a choral singing class in the Green Room at Pilgrim College, Fydell House, when the work studied was Stanford’s ‘The Revenge’.From this nucleus, the Boston Choral Union was formed in 1954, with Dr Marshall as its conductor. Secular works such as ‘King Estemere’ and ‘King Olaf’ by Elgar were performed in school halls, accompanied by the Boston Chamber Orchestra.When Dr Marshall was appointed Director of Music at Lincoln Cathedral, a graduate from Exeter College, Oxford – David Wright, came to take his place. He became the Choral Union’s conductor and so began a long association of choir and conductor.DEVELOPMENTThe 1960’s were a period of growth and development, combined with a spirit of adventure. The choir began to be challenged – tackling ‘Belshazzar’s Feast’ by Walton and ‘The Dream of Gerontius’ by Elgar. The works needed large numbers of singers and through the student-days friendship between David Wright and Harrison Oxley, organist and choirmaster of St. Edmondsbury Cathedral, these two works were performed by the combined Choral Societies of Boston and Bury St. Edmunds, in each of their towns.This led to liaison with other neighbouring Societies. South Holland Singers, Grantham, and Louth Choral Societies combined with Boston to perform works such as the Verdi ‘Requiem’.The choir joined with other Societies to sing in Lincoln Cathedral , the Albert Hall and Theatre Royal, Nottingham. Works included Beethoven's 9th Symphony, Choruses from Aida, Il Travatore and Cavelleria Rusticana.Boston Choral combined on two occasions to sing with the Wakefield Choral Society, when performances included Carl Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana’ and Bruckner’s ‘Te Deum’.FUNDRAISINGWhen Boston Choral Union started to perform major choral works, larger orchestras and professional soloists were required. Fund raising events were needed to offset any deficit that resulted. They still continue to be a necessary part of the society’s programme. Events have ranged from Blanket Washing, Christmas and other Cake Baking, Jumble Sales, Coffee Mornings, Market stalls and Raffles.Gilbert & Sullivan Light Operas were performed including ‘Trial by Jury’ and ‘Patience’. As David Wright enjoyed performing in them, Brian Thurlow - music master at the then Kitwood Boys School, was the Musical Director, with the Society’s secretary Rex Self, as Stage Director.After ‘The Mikado’ it was felt that the work was too much for one committee. It was at this point that the Boston Choral Society and Boston Operatic Society were created under the umbrella of Boston Choral Union. For several years there continued to be joint members but over subsequent years the two Societies became independent.During the 1980’s the Society included Gilbert & Sullivan again in its programme, staging ‘in-the-round’ performances in the Sam Newsome Centre, led by David Wright and produced by Jean Green. These popular fundraisers included ‘HMS Pinafore’ Ruddigore’ ‘The Gondoliers’ ‘Yeomen of the Guard’ ‘Trial by Jury’ and ‘The Gipsy Baron’ by Strauss. >> Concert Programme Archive BBC Lincolnshire - Radio Interview 22nd March 2010 - with B.C.S. M.D. Brian Quinn and Chairman Sara Hempsall. >> Click play button > to turn interview on or off! ABOUT BOSTON CHORAL SOCIETY. The first 50 years - information compiled by founder member Jean Green. http://www.mairie-laval.fr/ Adobe Flashplayer required Free download from www.adobe.comSite last updated 09/02/12 to 12/11 13500from 01/12 http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ To see all content, you will need the current version of Adobe Flash Player to view it. |