Photo kindly provided by Maximilian Hildebrandt    

In June 2008 Truro Choral Society performed Elgar's "The Dream of Gerontius". At the time, Max Braga, chairman of the society said "The Society’s founders could only have dreamt of this event. Enjoy a dream come true!"


 TCS started life as “Truro Singers” in 1962, originally to perform The Dream of Gerontius (for its Cornish premiere), accompanied by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and conducted by the then County Music Adviser Henry Mills. This was followed by a major work every three years; the Truro Singers gradually evolved into its present form, changing its name to Truro Choral Society in 1978.

A quotation from Isobel Hedges’ book The Story of Truro Choral Society 1962-2002:

At 7.30 pm promptly, Henry Mills, waiting in the crypt with the soloists (no Chapter House or adjoining building then) was told that every seat was filled and the Dean was about to welcome the assembly:  "And then occurred something which will, for the County Music Adviser, always be associated with Gerontius: from the Cathedral overhead came the sound of 2,000 people, the organ accompanying them, singing Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven, and singing it in just that way, with just that voice, which had made him sure that these Cornish choirs could sing The Dream.”

Nowadays, Health and Safety regulations dictate that 900 people is the maximum capacity of the Cathedral, not 2,000 or however many can be squeezed in, but we hope that the assembled company (that’s you!) will make just as much noise!

Truro Choral Society was established in 1962. It is one of the largest choral society in Cornwall, currently with a membership of over 100, and performs the major choral works, as well as contemporary works, including a number of premieres.

Rehearsals take place at the new Richard Lander School near Truro on Tuesdays from 7.00 to 9.00 pm.

The musical director is Martin Palmer.

Click here for details of joining the society.
 

Photo kindly provided by Maximilian Hildebrandt