History of the society
Gloucester Choral Society (GCS) began life in 1845 as a “Choral Meeting” comprising both sacred and secular music. A second meeting took place the next year, with a chorus of 90. The choir currently numbers 125 members.
Since 1856 the Society has been conducted by the Cathedral Organist and Director of Music. Celebrated musicians of the day have become conductors, including Samuel Sebastian Wesley, Herbert Brewer, Herbert Sumsion and John Sanders. Adrian Partington succeeded Andrew Nethsingha in January 2008.
Until the Second World War, concerts took place at the Shire Hall. Since then all concerts have been given in Gloucester Cathedral. Initially only sacred works could be performed and it was not until 1984 that Society members voted to allow applause after The Dream of Gerontius. Many well known soloists have appeared with GCS over the years, including the legendary Jenny Lind and Dame Janet Baker.
Repertoire is broad. Within the last decade or so, composers featured have ranged from Monteverdi and Gabrieli through J S Bach, Handel, Brahms and Elgar to Poulenc, Tavener and Karl Jenkins, and many more. Next season’s programme includes Mendelssohn’s Hymn of Praise, Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s St Matthew Passion. With its counterparts in Worcester and Hereford, the GCS participates in the annual Three Choirs Festival.
The Society has pioneered a number of outreach initiatives over the last few years, including inviting other Gloucestershire singers from primary school age upwards to join with them in making and performing choral music, singing on hospital wards and using GCS volunteers to assist in the Three Choirs Plus Mindsong project (using choral music to help people with dementia).
This year’s visit to Northern Cyprus will be the first-ever overseas tour by members of the choir.
