A Brief History of H&DCS

Halstead and District Choral Society was originally known as The Halstead Singers. It disbanded during the Second World War and was reformed in 1953 by the well known local musician Cecil Sturgis who conducted the Society for twenty seven years.

The Halstead Singers renamed as Halstead & District Choral Society in 1957 - over 50 years ago!

 

50 Year line up of baton waving Musical Directors

Cecil Sturgis 'reign' as Musical Director ended in 1981. He was followed by John York Skinner, Stephen Kenna (1982-5) (see review of recent concert with Stephen), Timothy Miller (1985-9), Richard Walshaw (1990), Roger Muttit (1991), Tom Langley (1992), Moira Frize-Williams (1993-6) , Martin Seymour (1997-2003), Toby Parr (2003-2006), Mark Bellis (2006-2009).

Our current Musical Director Ellis Bell is widely experienced both as a singer and conductor.   He has sung and conducted in the UK and in many of Europe's great cathedrals as well as in Canada and the US.   He has also made numerous recordings and broadcasts.   Ellis is a talented composer and has liturgical music in print.   He is organist for the Benefice of East Donyland and St. Andrew's, Fingringhoe in particular.

What we have Sung over the Years

Handel Coronation Anthems

Handel Te Deum

Handel Messiah

Haydn Creation

Bach Christmas Oriatorio

Vivaldi Gloria

Brahms Requiem

Verdi Requiem

Faure Requiem

Mozart Mass in C, Requiem

Mendelssohn Elijah

Puccini Messa di Gloria

Duruffle Requiem

Monteverdi Beatus Vir

Italian Opera Choruses

Various  Gilbert and Sullivan

Lots of Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Rutter

Hundreds of Carols

Medley of Andrew Lloyd Webber and other modern pieces

And many other lovely pieces that we have enjoyed learning and performing.