Blackburn Music Society

Blackburn Music Society

STOP PRESS: NEW CONDUCTOR REQUIRED FROM JANUARY 2013

With the recent promotion of our conductor, we are now looking for new applicants to build on the wonderful work James has done with us. An application pack with full details of the post may be obtained from the Chairman by ringing 01254 51174 or emailing brianhealey@btinternet.com 

         Blackburn Music Society 

The society is a large choir for mixed voices and performs at least three concerts in the year, including Handel’s "Messiah", which is traditionally performed in Blackburn Cathedral.

In recent years the Society has joined forces from time to time with other well-established choirs from the North of England for some quite spectacular concerts, most recently Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" and Walton's "Belshazar's Feast" at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester,  The choir often performs with professional orchestras, soloists and conductors encompassing the entire choral repertoire.

Many famous soloists have sung for the society including Kathleen Ferrier, Isobel Baillie, Dame Janet Baker, and Amanda Roocroft, who is our President. In 1993 the Music Society was awarded Blackburn’s Civic Medal for its outstanding service to the Borough.

Blackburn Music Society is the town’s oldest and most illustrious secular society, dating back in some form or another  to the  1820's.  Until 2007 it has performed most of the traditional choral repertoire, under just three conductors: Dr Herman Brearley, Horace Tattersall, its founder, and last but not least, Dr James Eastham, who retired in May 2007.  He was succeeded by Mr James Davy, the assistant organist from Blackburn Cathedral, though James will be moving on as Director of Music at Chelmsford cathedral in the summer.

Interested newcomers  are most welcome to come along to a rehearsal on a trial basis. No previous experience is necessary, just a reasonably good ear, enthusiasm and a pleasant singing voice. Male singers are particularly welcome!

Ordinary Membership for the season is £70 full, £55 for those in receipt of state pension.

For further information contact the chairman Brian Healey, on 01254 51174 or any of the committee, whose contacts details are under the committee section.

Rehearsals take place most Monday evenings between 7.30 and 9.15pm throughout the concert season, which is usually from early September to mid June at Westholme Middle School, Beardwood Bank, Preston New Rd, Blackburn.

We are especially keen to encourage young people and therefore membership is free to those in full-time education; other concessions are also available.

The society is  also active socially from time time, organizing quiz evenings, occasional open rehearsals with refreshments, and an annual dinner.

Website created by Sarah Davis, Claire Williams, Abigail Bridge and Laura Elson

registered Charity 500709