Glossop & District Choral Society: history

The society was formed in 1949 by Margaret Hallas. This grew out of a wartime Girls Training Corps choir, which she formed and developed into a youth choir. Margaret retired as a conductor in 1953.

From 1953 to 1957 the choir was conducted by Mr Fairclough, a local church organist. From 1957 to 1960 the Rev John Styles of St Andrew's Hadfield conducted the choir.

In 1960, Irvine Peel assumed the role of conductor and remained until 1982, making him the longest serving conductor.

Early in this period, David Rothery became accompanist and deputy conductor.

During the period 1982 to 1985, David Rothery became full-time conductor and in May 1985 conducted The Dream of Gerontius.

From 1985 to 1996 Fred Edwards was appointed as musical director and conductor and introduced the choir to many new works.

After Fred's resignation in 1996 Chris O'Hara, co-ordinator of the arts facility at Glossopdale Community College, took up the role and in 1997, under his baton, conducted the choir in the première performance of his own composition, The Mountain.