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This section describes the fascinating history of Derby Choral Union
which spans over 140 years. |
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| 1. Background and the Beginnings |
In Georgian England, Derby was no more than a reasonably prosperous market town with a few pioneer industries established. The new idea of public concerts was first recorded with a public concert being given on 3rd. September, 1788 in the Theatre in Bold Lane.
The programme was a miscellaneous one consisting mainly of music by Handel and an orchestra, choir and soloists all took part.
It seems probable that the choir formed for this event remained in existence at least until the next concert that is known: a “Grand Musical Festival” held on 5th. September, 1793, most likely in All Saints Church – which is now Derby Cathedral.
Other, perhaps less “Grand” performances must have been given from time to time for in 1817 a “Derby Choral Society” formed and it seems unlikely that this body existed without giving some public performances.
The Society lasted for some years but eventually foundered due to financial problems. This choir, or another bearing the same name, makes an appearance much later at a performance in St. Alkmund’s Church, Derby in 1847, but nothing more is known of this.
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| Market Hall, Derby (1915) |
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| In "The First 100 Years", a publication by Peter Haslam in 1965, he mentions: "By the 1860s the face of Derby was changing rapidly and in 1866 the New Market Hall was ceremoniously inaugurated. The new hall was completed and opened on May 29, 1866 in the morning and was followed by a performance of Handel's Messiah." |
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| Some of the text in this section is taken from the booklet “Derby Choral Union – The First Hundred Years” by Peter Haslam (choir member and past chairman), first published in 1965. |
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| Guildhall Theatre, Derby |
By the 1860’s, the face of Derby was changing rapidly with the Midland Railway and other industries bringing prosperity to the town. In 1866, the New Market Hall (see picture below left) was completed and officially opened on Tuesday, 29th. May, 1866 as a new artistic venture.
The official ceremony took place in the morning and was followed by a performance of Handel’s Messiah. The orchestra consisted of players from Nottingham, Birmingham, Leicester and Burton, as well as from Derby and district; the choir too was drawn from far afield but a local group also took part. At the performance, the combined strength of the choir and orchestra was no less than 500!
The mammoth recital evidently met with great success. The local singers, fired by their success, suggested the founding of a regular choral society. A meeting was held, at the invitation of the then Mayor, in the Guildhall Theatre (see picture above) on 22nd. June, 1866.
This preliminary meeting decided to start the Derby Choral Union and a second meeting was called a week later “for the purpose of receiving the names and entrance fees of any Vocalists who may wish to enrol themselves as Members of the [Derby Choral] Union”. |
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