The Kendal Choral Society is one of the three oldest surviving

choral A choir ( ; also known as a chorale or chorus) is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform. Choirs may perform music from the classical music repertoire, which ...

societies A society is a group of individuals involved in persistent social interaction, or a large social group sharing the same spatial or social territory, typically subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations. Societi ...

in England, being founded in 1871, initially to help raise funds for an industrial exhibition. In 1872 it gave its first performance of

Handel George Frideric (or Frederick) Handel (; baptised , ; 23 February 1685 – 14 April 1759) was a German-British Baroque composer well known for his operas, oratorios, anthems, concerti grossi, and organ concertos. Handel received his training i ...

's Messiah with 50 singers, the performance making a profit of £50 - a considerable sum in those days. The society has rehearsed and given regular concerts ever since with the exception of a break during the war years.

References

* Cumbria County Publications, "Celebrating rich choral tradition", May 17, 2001, accessed via NewsBank.

External links

* http://www.kendalchoral.org.uk English choirs Musical groups established in 1871 Music in Cumbria Choral societies {{England-band-stub