The weeks immediately around Christmas saw us in four performances of Messiah – two in Huddersfield, and one each in the Sage Gateshead and the newly-refurbished Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.

The Huddersfield concerts on 21st and 22nd December were recorded by Signum Classics for a CD to be released in Spring 2011 – perhaps you were among those in the audience or on stage for these occasions, captured for posterity? Both concerts were dedicated to the memory of Andrea Crawshaw, Singing Member for 40 years and Choir Secretary for the last 14 seasons.

All three December concerts were conducted by Jane Glover, with Northern Sinfonia and a stellar line-up of soloists: William Marshall, reviewing the public concert (22nd December) in the Huddersfield Examiner said:

“There were cheers and a standing ovation at the conclusion of the performance. This is perhaps par for the course at these great musical occasions – woven into the fabric of Huddersfield cultural life at Christmas – but it was a fine account of Messiah that will now reach a much wider audience.”

You can read the full review on our website – follow the link to News from www.huddersfieldchoral.com

The Wednesday night public performance saw the last-minute substitution of the bass soloist, with James Oldfield taking the place of Henry Waddington who was sadly indisposed. We are very grateful to Opera North for releasing James from his engagement that evening – and also to James for a fine

performance under less than ideal circumstances.

The week had started with many of the singing members travelling back to The Sage, Gateshead for the first Messiah performance of the season. The Sage was sold out – apparently only for the second time ever (the first time being for pianist Alfred Brendel)! The extremely poor weather forecast caused some worries beforehand, but the day dawned bright and clear and we travelled up in brilliant sunshine and temperatures of –8°C – most of us very glad that our friends from Kee Travel were doing the driving.

Saturday 8th January 2011 saw a reunion of many of those involved in the three Messiah performances before Christmas – this time joining Stratford-upon-Avon Choral Society under the baton of our chorusmaster, Joseph Cullen. Stratford Choral is also celebrating its 175th anniversary season. Thankfully Henry Waddington was recovered to rejoin Mark Le Brocq (tenor) and Catherine Wyn-Rogers (mezzo), and we were introduced to Julia Doyle (soprano) and the Regency Sinfonia. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is a fine building – but perhaps not ideal for choral music [we are spoiled by the Town Hall! Ed.] – although the entrances and exits of the soloists using the walkways onto the thrust stage added an appropriate element of drama to the interpretation. The Choir was royally entertained by the Stratford Choral, and many new friendships were formed.

Messiah – 4 performances down, 1 to go!

NEWSLETTER ISSUE THIRTEEN WINTER 2011

Stratford - with thanks to John DevinePhotographs by kind permission of Martin Jenkins

An Important Note on Concert Tickets

Julie Hale, our Subscribers’ Secretary, writes:

It is Huddersfield Town Hall’s policy to admit people into the concert hall only on production of a valid ticket for that evening’s performance. This is for Health and Safety reasons, and is a policy common to all public venues.

At the last subscribers’ concert (Messiah, 21st December) there were several subscribers who arrived with either no ticket(s) or the incorrect ticket(s) and expected to be admitted.

I can ensure that duplicate tickets are prepared for collection on the night of the concert with sufficient notice (minimum 48 hours). Please note that presentation of valid ID on collection will be required. However, it is very difficult to produce duplicate tickets on the night of the concert, for practical reasons.

Could I therefore please ask all subscribers to look after their season tickets, to check well in advance of each concert that they do have the correct tickets, and to be sure to bring them to the concert. If tickets are lost or misplaced, please contact me to arrange for duplicates to be prepared as soon as possible and, in any event, at least 48 hours before the concert.

Your co-operation is much appreciated.

Why not become a subscriber?If you are not already one of our Subscribers, why not consider becoming one?

You would be guaranteed a seat at our season’s three-concert programme held in Huddersfield Town Hall – one of which is always our highly acclaimed performance of Handel’s Messiah. Ticket prices range from £26 to £105 for the three concerts. This compares with a single public Messiah ticket price of between £17 and £43 – so the season ticket provides a considerable saving!

If you would like to go on the waiting list (and it is likely that you would be allocated seats for the 2011/12 season), please contact the Subscribers’ Secretary, Julie Hale, on 07989 395066 or atjulie.hale@hudddersfieldchoral.com.

FriendsCynthia Pratt, Friends’ Secretary, writes:Thank you for reading the last Choral Newsletter. Thank you for responding to my invitation. Thank you to all the many supporters who have so generously become Friends of Huddersfield Choral Society. We’ve gained almost a hundred new Friends this year.

We really do appreciate the financial support you are giving at this time. Each year, a prize draw is held for the opportunity to attend the Christmas Concert as a guest of the Society’s President, with a seat in the box. This year’s winners, Dr Geoffrey & Mrs Alwyn Hallas, said, ‘What a wonderful surprise it was for us to be the winners of the 2010 prize draw. We looked forward to the event for several weeks and were in no way disappointed. Every aspect of the Christmas Concert was a delight, especially as seen and heard from the box. The President and his colleagues were most welcoming, resulting in an unforgettable evening.’ Friends’ benefits include:1. Priority booking for public concerts at the Town Hall [limited in the case of public Messiah tickets]2. Subscriber Friends who are unable to attend the ballot are given priority in the subsequent allocation of tickets 3. Priority on returned tickets for subscription concerts 4. Entry into prize draws 5. Discounted recordings of the Huddersfield Choral Society May I take this opportunity to thank all the Friends who have supported Huddersfield Choral Society over the years. Indeed, we have loyal Friends who have been members since we started The Friends in 1995. Thank you again for your continuing generous support and donations.

The cost of membership for The Friends is £18.00 joint membership, £12.00 single. Contact our Friends Secretary, Cynthia Pratt, for further details or telephone 01484 600352.

www.huddersfieldchoral.com

Do we have your email address?Email is a cost-effective way for the Choral to keep in touch with you occasionally. We will never pass on your details to anyone else. Please email:julie.hale@huddersfieldchoral.com (Subscribers)cynthia.pratt@huddersfieldchoral.com (Friends)david.burgess@huddersfieldchoral.com (Singing members)

Sincere thanks to Icon Design and Reflex Print & Design for their generous support in the production of this newsletter

Our chorusmaster, Joseph Cullen, will conduct the HCS and City of London Sinfonia in this special performance of Messiah with Elizabeth Watts (soprano), Catherine Wyn-Rogers (mezzo), Mark Le Brocq (tenor) and Christopher Purves (bass).

Elizabeth, Catherine and Mark sang at all three performances of Messiah before Christmas, and Catherine and Mark also joined us in Stratford.

We have put together a package for £55 per person, including return coach travel to London and your concert ticket (prime stalls seats). Details are still to be arranged, but the coach is likely to leave Huddersfield at around 8.30am, arriving in London at 1pm. The concert begins at 6pm and the coach will leave after the concert ends, around 9.30pm.

We anticipate that this package will be popular, so don’t delay – contact Cynthia Pratt on 01484 600352 or cynthiaprattis@hotmail.com to book your tickets today!

For those who wish to make their own concert ticket and travel arrangements, contact the Barbican Box Office on 020 76388891 (9am–8pm Mon–Sat; 11am–8pm Sun) or book securely online at https://www.barbican.org.uk/eticketing/index.aspTickets range from £8–£32.

Messiah at the Barbican, Good Friday (22nd April) 2011 – supporters’ package

2010/2011 Season Concerts

Saturday 5th March 2011, 7.30pmHuddersfield Town HallStainer – Crucifixion

Joseph Cullen – conductorDarius Battiwalla – organAndrew Kennedy – tenorNeal Davies – bass

The team behind 2009’s critically-acclaimed recording returns to Huddersfield.Tickets available now from Kirklees Box Office – book securely online www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls/boxoffice.shtml,,telephone 01484 223200 or visit Huddersfield Visitor Centre in the Library, Princess Alexandra Walk, Huddersfield HD1 2SU (or other Visitors Centres in Dewsbury, Holmfirth and Cleckheaton).

Friday 1st April 2011, 7.30pm (subscribers’concert)Huddersfield Town HallJonathan Harvey – Messages (UK première)Stravinsky – Symphony of PsalmsBruckner – Mass in E minorOrchestra of Opera NorthMartyn Brabbins – conductor

We are delighted that Matyn Brabbins and Dougie Scarfe, Orchestra and Concerts Director for Opera North, will be giving the pre-concert talk starting at 6.40 pm. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear their insights into this evening’s music.

Returns may be available – please contact Julie Hale, Subscribers’ Secretary julie.hale@huddersfieldchoral.com

A range of sponsorship packages is available for this concert, including stage flowers. Please contact Tony Booth on 01484 682858 or tony.booth@huddersfieldchoral.com for more information.

Friday 22nd April (Good Friday) 2011, 6pmBarbican, LondonHandel – MessiahCity of London SinfoniaJoseph Cullen – conductorElizabeth Watts – sopranoCatherine Wyn-Rogers – mezzoMark Le Brocq – tenorChristopher Purves – bass

Ticket details, including online purchasing, are available via www.barbican.org.uk

See separate article about our special supporters’ package, including coach travel from Huddersfield and prime stalls seats!

A range of sponsorship packages is available for this concert. Please contact Tony Booth on 01484 682858 or tony.booth@huddersfieldchoral.com for more information

Saturday 18th June 2011, 7.30pmHuddersfield Town Hall – 175th anniversary concertElgar – The Dream of GerontiusThe Hallé OrchestraMartyn Brabbins – conductorChristine Rice –mezzo-sopranoPeter Hoare – tenorChristopher Purves – bass

Tickets (£9–£27) available from 1st March 2011 from Kirklees Box Office – book securely online www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls/boxoffice.shtml, telephone 01484 223200 or visit Huddersfield Visitor Centre in the Library, Princess Alexandra Walk, Huddersfield HD1 2SU (or other Visitors Centres in Dewsbury, Holmfirth and Cleckheaton).

A range of sponsorship packages is available for this concert, including stage flowers. Please contact Tony Booth on 01484 682858 or tony.booth@huddersfieldchoral.com for more information

WorkshopsThis special anniversary season sees the Choral offering a range of opportunities to develop and encourage future singers and choral conductors.

Sing Up for The Boys – February 18th 2011, 9.30am – 12 noon. We aim to have 5 male voice choirs, including some of our singing members (volunteers welcome!), and up to 500 year 5, 6 and 7 boys taking part. The workshop will be led by Thom Meredith, the renowned Principal of Kirklees Music School.This will be on the first day of the Mrs Sunderland Festival 2011, and is a workshop in partnership with the Mrs Sunderland Festival and Kirklees Council.

Conducting workshop – February 18th 2011, 2–4pm6 participants will enjoy a masterclass led by Joseph Cullen, featuring the University Chamber Choir accompanied by our own Daniel Gordon.Audience and supporters welcome! – venue: Phipps Concert Hall, University of Huddersfield Creative Arts BuildingThis workshop is in partnership with the University of Huddersfield [logo – choice of images; please note guidelines]

Stainer Crucifixion – March 5th 2011, Workshop from 4pm – 6pm led by Joseph Cullen, followed by evening concert at 7.30pm. Tickets for the concert are now on sale at Kirklees Box Office with a discount for workshop participants.To book your place at the workshop and secure your discounted concert ticket, please contact Charmaine Beaumont on 01484 646441 or workshops@huddersfieldchoral.com

Choral Explosion – March 23rd 2011, 9.30am – 12 noonWe expect 1,000 children! Led by Sue Hollingworth, who won the 2010 Gramophone award for Music in the Community.Singing members – your assistance would be greatly welcomed: it should be an amazing morning! Rehearsals begin on 18th February 2011.This workshop is in partnership with Kirklees Council

And the GloryThe second edition of “And The Glory” moves the reader on from the first edition, published in 1986, with additional chapters covering the period up to 2009, including insights into further comings and goings of various personalities as well as reviews and opinions of the performances of the Choral over the past 25 years, both throughout the United Kingdom and many occasions abroad, including concerts in such locations as Brno, Reims, Porto, Bratislava, Antwerp and Osaka.

The first edition of “And The Glory” detailed the musical tradition to be found in and around the vicinity of Huddersfield, the subsequent background to the formation of the Society in 1836 and the individuals and personalities involved. The book makes fascinating reading; its level of detail is quite comprehensive.

Throughout the book we read of strong personalities, both business-wise and music-wise, who have had great influence over the years in relation to the fortunes of the Society.

In the appendices of the book you can find a list of all past performances, details of all past and current professionals and officers of the Society and current members of the choir and subscribers.

For anyone who is interested in the Society, it’s well worth a read! Price: £15Available from David Lockwood: 01484 666827 or david.lockwood@huddersfieldchoral.com. Also available to purchase from www.huddersfieldchoral.co.uk

A reception to launch the 175th anniversary season was held in the Town Hall, with many singing members able to attend and help to launch the season in style. During the evening the new edition of And the Glory was launched, with author Bob Edwards presenting a copy to Mayor of Kirklees Councillor, Andrew Palfreeman.

Reception and book launch, 28th September 2010

photo by Martin Jenkins

The Huddersfield Choral Society Rose

A beautiful new rose has been bred specifically for us by Mr R. Rawlins of Fixby to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Society.

It is a floribunda in a deep mauve with a silver underside.We expect delivery of the first 60 shrubs in October 2011, and these will retail at £10. The second growing of some 60–80 will be available in 2012. From 2013 it will be available on a commercial basis from Rogers of Pickering.

Order forms will be available in April 2011 – but if you wish to reserve yours sooner, contact Jenny Lockwood on 01484 666827, email:jennyl@lock1941.eclipse.co.uk.

We are most grateful to Syngenta, kirklees Council and to the Mrs Sunderland Music Festival for their generous support.

CANCELLEDCANCELLED

Plant Sale on 29th May 2010Despite the atrocious weather(!), a lot of members, supporters and the general public, came to purchase plants, drink coffee and eat cake. Pre-ordered hanging baskets, tubs and planters were also available for collection, which brought great pleasure to many over the summer. Over £2,000 was raised. Many thanks to all the helpers, including the flowerpot people, and with special thanks to John Harman.

The Walk & Sing on 5th June 2010A memorable day for many reasons – we got to climb the Jubilee Tower, the sun shone all day, a delicious lunch was provided, we had a good hymn-sing, nobody had to be resuscitated… and those who did the whole walk were rewarded with fizzy alcohol at the end! Thanks to the lunch team, the route organisers and also our two chauffeur-gophers, Adrian and Graeme, who came to the rescue of the weary. The event raised £3,500, so many thanks to those who took part and were either sponsors or generous donors.

Auction of Promises, 3rd July 2010A great selection of items that money usually can’t buy made this evening a great success. Many thanks to those who donated their time, cottages, skills, goods, etc. – and of course those generous bidders who raised in excess of £2,200 in an evening. With special thanks to Michelle Walker and her team.

Picnic & Proms, 2nd October 2010Judging by the excellent feedback, this was greatly enjoyed by all who attended it. We owe a huge amount of gratitude to those members of the Choral and the Junior Choirs who so marvellously entertained us – without them, the event would not have been possible. As well as being a good night out, the evening raised £2,155.

Member ActivitiesIn addition to the activities above, many choir members have organised their own events, and nearly £9,000 has been raised to date. This is an amazing achievement! - Thank You!

Our final fundraising event will be a Coffee (and other beverages) Day, 28th May 2011 at Huddersfield Town Hall.In view of the fact that we have a busy singing schedule in the New Year, we’ve decided to postpone the planned Sponsored Sing – we might need to rest our voices! Instead, we’ll be holding a Coffee Day in the Town Hall on 28th May 2011. Lots of help will be needed for this – all you fabulous bakers, get your bun tins out!Please contact Jenny Lockwood (01484 666827 or david.lockwood@huddersfieldchoral.com) if you are able to help in any way.

At the end of this special anniversary season, we will be publishing a commemorative booklet which will include the names of all contributors, including those who have pledged ‘£175 for the 175’, which is expected to raise in excess of £11,000.

Update on 175th anniversary fund-raising MemoriesFrom the Huddersfield Examiner – Subscriber Eric Smith hasn’t missed a Messiah in 60 years!

“I went with my mother, who had tickets for the subscribers’ concert. In 60 years, I have never missed one. The only time I didn’t see a full performance was when I had a cough and had to leave. I remember the heydays when my mother was in it. There were 400 people in the choir and there was not an inch between them on that stage. It was a super sight and sound, but I think the quality of the performers is far superior today.”

Read the Examiner’s full interview with Eric on our website.

Dorothy M. Smith of Lepton writes:

In 1934, my grandparents took me to America to visit relatives, and on my 4th birthday, whilst there, I was given a special doll, Hiawatha.

Two years later, my father took me to the Town Hall and we sat in the Area. I heard the Choral Society sing the story of Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast. I loved it and it is still one of my favourite pieces of music; how I wish I could repeat that experience.

I have loved coming to the concerts from that day on.

I remember hearing Isobel Baillie, Joan Hammond, Gladys Ripley, Heddle Nash and, during the war years, Jan van der Gucht, a Dutch tenor who, in his Air Force uniform, sang at several concerts.

Who could forget the first appearance of Kathleen Ferrier? When she began to sing, the audience was entranced – what a beautiful voice she had.

In those years, the Tenor and Soprano soloists sat on the left of the Conductor, with the Contralto and Bass on the right.

I remember waiting with my father in Hawksby Court, off New Street, for my mother and grandmother, who were attending a Choral concert, when the air raid siren sounded. Later, aircraft were heard overhead and the “naval gun” at Castle Hill opened fire. In those days, we all had to carry our gas masks with us, to school and to the concerts; in fact, everywhere.

A sad and poignant memory is of Sir Malcolm Sargent, your Conductor for so many years – who had a very special relationship with the choir – when he appeared on the rostrum for the final time; and then, soon after his death, the performance of Verdi’s Requiem, which was one of his favourite works, was dedicated to his memory.

In my childhood I knew several people who sang in the choir, amongst them Norman Holdroyd and Jessie Littlewood, and later friends from schooldays at Royds Hall.

How I envy you all who sing so wonderfully. My mother was not a member of the Society but sang at local concerts accompanied by my father. Sadly, I did not inherit those genes. I wish that I had, but how lucky I have been that I have been able to attend your concerts ever since I was 6 years old.

Thank you, Huddersfield Choral Society, for lots of enjoyment and many treasured memories.

Music returned to the Choral’s Librarians – 50 years late

Huddersfield Choral Society Librarians Howard and Susan Sandford got more than they bargained for when an unexpected parcel arrived in the post.

“With apologies, I return copy 208 of W. Walton’s Gloria. Over the years, I have noticed this copy a few times in my boxes of music and thought, ‘I must return this with a request that it be put in next season’s programme.’ Sorry that it has taken so long – nearly 50 years – to return it.”

Whilst the programme for the Choral’s next few seasons is settled, copy 208 will be available next time the Gloria is performed. All fines have been waived!

The Gloria was commissioned by the Choral to mark its 125th

anniversary, and the 30th year of Sir Malcolm Sargent’s conductorship of the Society. The work received its world premiere in 1961 in Huddersfield Town Hall, followed by a performance of Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius – which will be performed in June 2011 in a special concert to mark the 175th anniversary of the Society’s founding.

The Society has performed the Gloria seven times since the premiere in 1961, including in April 1982, in a concert to mark jointly the centenary of Huddersfield Town Hall and Sir William Walton’s 80th birthday. Coincidentally, Walton died suddenly in March 1983, two days after he had accepted a further commission for the Society’s 150th anniversary in 1986.

Do you have any special memories of the Choral to share? – If so, contact our Archivist, Malcolm Hinchliffe.Subscribers are reminded that if they are unable to attend a concert, they may return tickets to Julie Hale, Subscribers

Secretary. If tickets are re-sold, you will receive a refund on that part of your subscription (less a small admin fee).

Stop Press! - concert tickets

Champion Junior Choirs

The Junior Choirs Youth Choir section won the Children’s Choir Class at Holmfirth Music Festival for the first time, on 14th October 2010.

The Junior Choirs presented the ‘Huddersfield Choral Society Junior Choirs Trophy’ to the Haydn Wood Festival and asked that the trophy

should be presented to a Choir Class if there are sufficient entries, or to a Class that involves Singing.

On Friday 5th November 2010, members of the Youth Choir won the Senior Choir trophy at the Haydn Wood Music Festival for the third

year running!

HCS Junior Choirs 25th Anniversary Season 2010–11- let’s celebrate!The HCS Youth Choir was founded in September 1986 – during the 150th Year of the ‘Choral’ – and, as the Youth Choir is now part of the Junior Choirs, we’ll be celebrating next season the beginning of the organisation and the subsequent 25 years of choral singing.

The exciting anniversary season was launched on September 18th 2010 with a concert at St Mary’s Church, Honley. Our young people performed at St Joseph’s, Aspley on 28th November 2010 in their own sell-out Christmas concert, which was recorded (CD now available).

The Junior Choirs were guests of the Senior Choir at the Christmas Concert on 10th December 2010 – and stole the show! One reviewer wrote:

The junior choir and young voices were absolutely charming and extremely well drilled, and clearly enjoyed their moments in the spotlight. The arrangement that they sang of Away in a Manger, to a tune that was new to me, was particularly beautiful.

Future engagements include an appearance as guests of the Senior Choir in Stainer’s Crucifixion on March 5th 2011 in Huddersfield Town

Hall, and the Junior Choirs’ own concerts on Saturday 9th April 2011, 7pm at Batley Central Methodist Church and on Sunday 8th May 2011, 3.30pm at St Joseph’s, Aspley. Tickets and more information are available from 07767 803825 or HYPERLINK “mailto:junior.choirs@huddersfieldchoral.com”junior.choirs@huddersfieldchoral.com; more details on the website.

The Junior Choirs’ 25th anniversary season will culminate with a special concert in Huddersfield Town Hall on July 2nd 2011, to which we are inviting past members of the Youth Choir, the Young Voices and the Children’s Choir (as it was previously known). We are commissioning a short piece of choral music that is appropriate for the full age range of the Junior Choirs, from 7 to 20+ years. This will be premièred at the anniversary concert.

Our wish is to have 300 current and previous members of the Junior Choirs singing on the platform. We are particularly hoping to contact all the 50 or so Founder Members of the Youth Choir. If you know any previous members of the organisation from 1986 to the present day, please ask them to contact us either by phoning Carole Kain on 01484 301610 or emailing susan.wilkinson@huddersfieldchoral.com. Look for the group also on Facebook.

Looking ahead – 176th seasonSaturday 1st October 2011Liverpool Anglican CathedralMahler – 8th Symphony (Symphony of a Thousand)Royal Liverpool Philharmonic OrchestraVasily Petrenko – conductor

Friday 4th November 2011Huddersfield Town Hall, 7.30pm (Subscribers’ concert)Beethoven – Missa SolemnisRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic OrchestraVasily Petrenko – conductor

Satuday 5th November 2011Philharmonic Hall, LiverpoolBeethoven – Missa SolemnisRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic OrchestraVasily Petrenko – conductor

Friday 9th December 2011Huddersfield Town Hall, 7.30pmChristmas Concert

Tuesday 20th December 2011Huddersfield Town Hall, 7.15pm (Public concert)MessiahNorthern SinfoniaGrant Llewellyn – conductor Tickets for this public performance are available by application form, which can be obtained either by:Registering as a Supporter – an application form will then be emailed to you in late October 2011. If you are not already on the Supporters’ list, please contact Julie Hale on julie.hale@huddersfieldchoral.com, giving her your postal address, telephone number and preferred email address. Or:The Huddersfield Examiner. The application form will be available to cut out from the Examiner on Friday 28th October and Friday 4th November 2011.Why not register with Julie now, or put the Examiner dates in your diary, to ensure that you receive an application form for this popular concert?

Wednesday 21st December 2011Huddersfield Town Hall, 7.15pm (Subscribers’ concert)MessiahNorthern SinfoniaGrant Llewellyn – conductor

Friday 30th March 2012Huddersfield Town Hall 7.30pm (Subscribers’ concert)Fauré – Pavane (choral arrangement)Gounod – St Cecilia MassDuruflé – RequiemOrchestra of Opera NorthBramwell Tovey – conductor