| The Belfast Philharmonic
Society was founded in September 1874 by the amalgamation
of two existing societies - The Classical Harmonists,
founded in 1851 and the Belfast Music Society, founded
in 1872. The first concert was Mendelssohn's Elijah.
The Society changed in the 1950's with the disbandment
of the orchestra and has exclusively been a choral
society since that time. The Belfast City Orchestra
replaced the Philharmonic Orchestra and, when it combined
with the BBC Orchestra to become the Ulster Orchestra,
strong links were forged to continue to provide choral
music to the audiences of Belfast and beyond. The
Belfast Philharmonic Society has given performances
of Messiah each December since 1886. There is no doubt
that for some this may be the only time they hear
live choral music in this traditional concert outing.
However, for others this may be an introduction to
choral music which will make them return to hear both
orchestra and choir throughout their lives.
Members travel from throughout Northern Ireland to
be part of the Phil tradition, with one of the newest
members travelling from Dungannon each Tuesday evening
to rehearsal. Numbers at the moment are 100 plus.
Think of a job in the community and there is sure
to be at least one person in the choir doing that
job. The thing that binds the choir together is a
love of the diverse nature of choral music and the
challenges of learning and performing both new and
familiar music. It is not accidental that one of the
meanings of 'philharmonic' is devoted to or appreciative
of music.
Working with a professional orchestra demands high
standards and dedication. To enable the choir to reach
and retain these standards Christopher Bell has been
appointed as the new Chorus Master. Christopher is
a native of Belfast and is currently Artistic Director
of the National Youth Choir of Scotland, Chorus Master
of the Royal Scottish National Junior Chorus, and
Chorus Master of the professional Grant Park Chorus
in Chicago, USA. The appointment of this highly acclaimed
musician underlines the determination of the society
to move forward with confidence into this 21st century.
Ethel Ruddock
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