Calling All Music Lovers!
The founder of the Society was William Priestley, an eminent local musician, antiquary and literary gentleman. Dining at home in 1817, with his musical friends, Priestley discussed setting up a permanent choir to replace the gatherings of singers that had been presenting concerts in the district for many years.
Throughout its history, the choir has played a prominent part in the musical and social life of Halifax, contributing to the many civic and national celebrations which typified Imperial Britain.
Research into the scores in 2000 revealed a Mozart attribution of an apparently unique three volume manuscript of the Handel oratorio “Judas Maccabaeus” and led to world-wide interest. The score had come into the hands of William Priestley and it was performed by the Choral Society several times in the early-mid 19th century. After Priestley presented it to the Choir in 1850 it was largely forgotten about till 2000. On 23 Jun 2002 the first modern-age performance of the “lost” arrangement was performed at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax, televised in the United Kingdom and America.
It’s time we investigated this collection of the oldest Choral Society in Britain – perhaps even the oldest in the world!!
Vote for Halifax Choral Society Today!
Have you had the opportunity to witness a performance of the Halifax Choral Society? Leave us your thoughts of Britain’s oldest Choral Society.
The founder of the Society was William Priestley, an eminent local musician, antiquary and literary gentleman. Dining at home in 1817, with his musical friends, Priestley discussed setting up a permanent choir to replace the gatherings of singers that had been presenting concerts in the district for many years.
Throughout its history, the choir has played a prominent part in the musical and social life of Halifax, contributing to the many civic and national celebrations which typified Imperial Britain.
Research into the scores in 2000 revealed a Mozart attribution of an apparently unique three volume manuscript of the Handel oratorio “Judas Maccabaeus” and led to world-wide interest. The score had come into the hands of William Priestley and it was performed by the Choral Society several times in the early-mid 19th century. After Priestley presented it to the Choir in 1850 it was largely forgotten about till 2000. On 23 Jun 2002 the first modern-age performance of the “lost” arrangement was performed at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax, televised in the United Kingdom and America.
It’s time we investigated this collection of the oldest Choral Society in Britain – perhaps even the oldest in the world!!
Vote for Halifax Choral Society Today!
Have you had the opportunity to witness a performance of the Halifax Choral Society? Leave us your thoughts of Britain’s oldest Choral Society.