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| History of the Society |
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The Chester Music Society has been in existence for over sixty years. The following is a condensed version from the Society's publication, 50 Years ...A Celebration 1946-1996. The next ten year's update is currently being written.
During the war, a very active group called the Arts for the People Committee had been organising musical events. In 1945 there was a strong movement to do something more comprehensive and structured. A meeting was held on 12th October 1945 - in the minutes it is recorded that "a Music Society be formed, the aim being to arrange for regular concerts by eminent arts. To encourage, amongst amateurs, music making both orchestral and choral".
With enthusiasm and breath of vision, a draft constitution was drawn up, naming the Society as "The Chester and District Music Society". A public meeting was organised for 7th November, which attracted 150 people and by the 16th, there were 116 members.
Eight weeks later the first concert was held featuring Moura Lympany. At the next concert Dr. Malcolm Sargeant - who later became one of the Society's Presidents - spoke on behalf of the Society. Within a short time, there were 501 members - the subscription being one guinea per annum.
