Salford Choral Society is celebrating their 75th anniversary with a special concert to mark the occasion.
On Saturday, March 16, the choir will perform Mozart’s Requiem, one of the most popular classical choral pieces, at Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music.
The concert is set to take place almost 75 years on from the society’s first ever performance on March 21, 1948. They performed in what was once the Royal Technical College, which is now known as Peel Hall – an asset of the University of Salford.
Under command of Frank Rushton, their first ever ‘chorus-master’, the choir received a standing ovation from the sold-out venue. A review from the former newspaper Salford City Reporter touted it as ‘an extremely successful debut’.
Claire Pallett, the current chair of Salford Choral, said: “Reaching our 75th anniversary is a huge milestone, and it’s wonderful to see the choir still going as strong as it was in those early days. We regularly have 100 people singing with us on a Wednesday night.
“Everyone is really excited about the anniversary concert. We will be singing our hearts out!”
The Choral Society is rich in history, being known as one of the best choral societies in the North West. It was formed in 1947 as part of a cultural blossom in Salford following the Second World War.
The group first met on a Wednesday night, and now 75 years on, the 100 current members continue to meet every Wednesday at Hemsley House in Salford.
Two performances on BBC’s ‘Songs of Praise’ is just one of the many highlights of the very successful choir. The international opera star Amanda Roocroft is one of their many famous alumni who have once sang amongst the Salford choir.
Tom Newall, Music Director for Salford Choral, said: “One of the most special things about Salford Choral is how it gives opportunities to young, up-and-coming singers. Many of the soloists we invite to join us are just finishing their studies or fresh out into the industry. In this way, the choir is helping them to build vital experience that will support them in a successful career.
“I am also struck by the passion of this choir. Wednesday night is choir night and there is real joy in the room as everyone comes together to sing.”
The 75th anniversary concert is taking place at 7:30pm on Saturday March 16, at RNCM in Manchester. The 100 members of Salford Choral Society will be joined by the Baroque in the North Orchestra as well as four professional soloists.
The programme will include the lesser-known Dixit Dominus by Marianna Martines, as well as the rendition of Mozart’s Requiem.
Tickets for the concert can be purchased online and are available for £20, with concessions priced at £17.
For more information about the choir, their website can be found here.
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