Celebrating 50 years of golden song
FORMBY Choral Society is celebrating its golden anniversary this year.
It was established 50 years ago as a nightschool class, and this year has marked a half-century of growth and successful music-making with special events.
At a concert in June at Holy Trinity, Formby, the choir performed favourite pieces chosen in a members’ ballot.
The evening was enhanced by exciting musical contributions from old friends, the prize-winning Formby Band, conducted by Louise Hough.
The celebrations continued into summer with a Golden Anniversary Dinner at West Lancs Golf Club.
Two of the founding members were present, Marjorie Boothby and David Little, although the other two, Ann Connell and Dilys Osborne, were unable to attend.
A presentation was made to popular accompanist Richard Lea, who is moving away to take up a new appointment, and Jon Barton, his replacement, was made welcome.
Rehearsals have begun again on Wednesdays at 7.30pm at Holy Trinity church hall, Rosemary Lane.
New members are always welcome, and a bursary scheme is available for young musicians.
The choir’s next concert is at Our Lady’s Church, School Lane, Formby, on November 19.
The programme consists of two popular choral works, the sublime Bach Magnificat, and the magnificent Mass in C minor, by Mozart.
Carols With Brass on December 17 at Holy Trinity will as usual feature Formby Band and a children’s school choir.
The Philharmonic Hall is the venue for the golden anniversary spring concert, when Formby and Birkenhead Choral Societies join the boys from Merchant Taylors’ School to present Mendelssohn’s oratorio Elijah.
Contact www.formbychoralsociety.org or call 07944 542110.