If J.S Liddle shaped the first 50 years of Newbury Choral Society, John Russell, with 31 years in charge shaped the second. He introduced the choir to Finzi, Britten and Berlioz. In 1972 the choir performed Vaughan Williams “A Sea Symphony” to mark the centenary of the composer. The decision to perform the great Elgar trilogy of “The Dream of Gerontius”, “The Apostles” and "The Kingdom” from 1973 to 1976 was a brave one, both artistically and financially, but ultimately vindicated.
Clive Fairburn had the honour of conducting the centenary concert, a performance of Verdi’s “Requiem”. Clive conducted the choir’s first performance of “Carmina Burana” and took the choir to the Barbican and Queen Elizabeth Hall in London.
The choir continues to look forward in the first 20 years of its second century. We have had two young conductors, Jonathan Finney and the current holder of the post, Leo Hussain. Janet Lincé was the first woman to be Musical Director (although Gillian Lovett had conducted at several concerts from 1965 to 1984). Under Robert Barsby, the choir performed with the Japanese choir Laurel Echo in Osaka, Japan.
The choir continues to add to its repertoire - contemporary 20th century music by Fanshawe, Gorecki, Patrick Hawes, Pärt, and Tavener; first performances of highlights of the classical repertoire such as Beethoven’s “Choral Symphony” (a memorable concert with the Newbury Symphony Orchestra) - as well as performing favourites such as “Elijah”, and of course Handel’s Messiah”, the work for the 120th anniversary concert on December 11th. Such variety is the key to the choir’s success. Long may it continue.
