The Aberdeen Choral Society was instituted by the late Sheriff David Henderson, jeweller in Union Street, who was senior baillie of Aberdeen Town Council in 1947.
......along with others mainly from choir members of Beechgrove Church choir and the West Church of St. Andrew, now the Langstane Church, where Mr Henderson was organist. Mr Henderson was our first Musical Director & Conductor.
The Society was founded for the study, rehearsal and public performance of choral music. Our 1946 Constitution listed amongst its aims:
"The Society is not conducted for profit and its aims are solely of a cultural, educative and recreational nature"
and
"...to promote the love of good music as a cultural influence in the life of the City of Aberdeen and to afford an opportunity for young people to continue their study of choral music after their school days are over."
Since those early days we have presented two concerts every year consisting of an annual performance of Handel's Messiah in the week before Christmas and a second concert in March drawn from the choral works of leading composers. The choir, which maintains a membership of over 100 has always enjoyed a wide following in the city and the surrounding area during our half century.
We have always used top solo artists with national and international reputations and orchestras recruited from the wide choice of competent musicians in this area - for some years we have employed the Grampian Sinfonia Orchestra.
Our Musical Director is Alistair MacDonald, M.A. with Honours in Music, was Principal Teacher of Music at Peterhead Academy and Head of Instrumental Music for Aberdeenshire Council. He is currently a part-time lecturer at the University of Aberdeen.
We are proud of our achievements and believe the City should be proud to be associated with the Society. The Committee and members send all visitors of our Website best wishes on behalf of the Society and hope you enjoy your visit.
