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| 3. The Next 100 Years |
In the hundred years that followed, the DCU became an established society, with regular performances of the classical oratorios (see our repertoire). It has an unbroken record, even being able to muster performances during the two World Wars.
A prominent feature of the DCU has always been the loyalty of its members; many of whom that helped to start it off were still singing at the start of the C20th. During this period, one of the choir's greatest times was in the 1880s when the DCU sang to packed audiences and enjoyed rising artistic standards.
However, the worst period of the choir's history occurred during the 1st. decade of the C20th, when the membership dropped to 40 members and concerts were given to half-empty houses. However, fortunes then improved and numbers of members and audience began to rise as another period of progress began. This culminated in doing three broadcasts on the BBC in the 1930s.
There were several concerts highlights during the first half of this century, two of which occurred in 1928 when Sir Henry Coward conducted Bach's Mass in B minor in March, followed by Dr. Vaughan Williams conducting his very own A Sea Symphony in December. What a privilege!
Another highlight was in November 1944 when Harold Gray (CBSO Associate Conductor) conducted Haydn's The Creation in the Central Hall with Isobel Baillie, soprano and Peter Pears, tenor (read the review).
Then in March 1947, DCU performed Bach's St. Matthew Passion with Sir John Pritchard conducting and the world-renowned Kathleen Ferrier as the contralto (read the review). |
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In spite of the profound effect the two World Wars had on life in Britain, the DCU managed to keep going - just. The number of members in the choir fell drastically resulting in a serious imbalances across the sections. So the music performed had a tendency towards lighter music, e.g. concert versions of opera which proved popular.
The DCU shares with very few other major choirs the distinction of having continued to give at least two concerts each season during the wars. In fact, 17 concerts were given altogether, mostly performed in the Central Hall, Exchange Street.
After the end of the 2nd. World War, DCU performed concerts in several places - the King's Hall, Central Hall, the Cathedral and St. Werburgh's church - but for 25 years or so, the choir had no permanent home.
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Inside Derby Cathedral |
Assembly Rooms |
However, during the last quarter of the C20th., the Cathedral and the new Assembly Rooms (see pictures above) became the main venues with the larger works being performed in the latter from 1978 till 2002.
The choir was proud to give the first ever performance of Handels' Messiah in the new Assembly Rooms in December, 1978 (see picture below) under Raymond Thorpe. |
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DCU performing Messiah in the new Assembly Rooms, December 1978
Click to enlarge
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