The Suffolk Chronicle records that the Ipswich Choral Society was founded in 1824 with about 20 members, who met every Tuesday fortnight and gave the first provincial performance of Haydn's Creation in their first concert. Only gentlemen were permitted to join until 1884, when the society reformed , and ladies were admitted. Subscriptions were 2s 6d and all candidates were examined as to their musical ability.
By 1885 there were 264 members including 94 sopranos, 65 altos, 40 tenors and 65 basses. The society continued to prosper into the 1920's, when most of its concerts were given at the Public Hall until it was destroyed by fire in 1948.
In 1911 the society gave the first performance in Suffolk of Elgar's masterpiece The Dream of Gerontius, and again in 1957, Elgar's anniversary year , In the 1970s the choir was conducted by John Cooper , the organist and Director of Music at St Mary le Tower Church. In the Queen's Jubilee year, the society performed a concert of Coronation Music called Orb and Sceptre' and this format of performing small collections of pieces as well as major choral works has remained popular to this date. During its long history the choir has worked with many international artists, including Kathleen Ferrier and Janet Baker.
With our current director Stephen Rumsey, the society continues in the tradition of exploring music and performs a varied and ambitious programme.
By using the links below Ipswich Choral Society will receive a small commission.
Ipswich Music Day
Sunday 1st July 2012 3:00pm
St Margarets ChurchIP4 2BT
ICS Autumn Concert
Sunday 18 November 2012 3pm
Rutter: Gloria | Chilcott: The Making of the Drum
The Great School, Ipswich School, Ivry Street, Ipswich IP1 3QWICS Christmas Concert
Saturday 15 December 2012 7.30pm
Ipswich Sings Christmas!In support of the Woolverstone Wish Appeal
Corn Exchange, Ipswich
IP1 1DH
Tickets from:
Members
Or
ICS Ticket Line
01473 738324
Or
Music World,
Queen Street,
Ipswich,
IP1 1SS