Brief History
The choir was established in 1922 at Slaithwaite, west of Huddersfield, and was immediately successful in recruiting local men, keen to make music, to perform on stage and to test their mettle in competition. Many adjudicators of international standing have pointed to the fully rounded quality which was established in that between-the-wars period. That success has continued and the choir has kept a reputation both as a premier competition and concert choir up to the present day.
Out of a total of six conductors just three have accounted for all but five years of its existence. With this stability, the choir has concentrated on what it is good at, using its power and versatility to excite audiences young and old.
Present
Through his influence on music selection, Thom Meredith has kept the choir abreast of modern trends without sacrificing tradition. Indicative of his achievement is the fact that from a library of over 500 pieces, each season’s programme includes an average of maybe 60 different items. All are performed without music copies in hand – a practice which Thom instigated on his arrival in 1989 and which has continued ever since. It’s about communicating better with the audience, Thom asserted.
The choir owes a debt of gratitude to so many of its members for their various contributions over the years. But times change and so, whilst cherishing the past, we must all look to the future.
The continuing tradition and our aspirations for the future of Colne Valley Male Voice Choir and its singers was well, if a little ornately, expressed by the late Sidney H Crowther, who in a tribute to the choir members, said, “For them, music is a natural form of expression. It is a quest for sweetness and light, an enlargement of the human spirit. They are true amateurs – and we must remember that that word really means lovers. They sing because they are lovers of song, and it is such a love that is – must be – a foundation of a healthy musical life, if music is to be of the people”.
Our history over the last decade or so is yet to be formally written.
But it is accessible through the Choir’s Newsletter, ‘Voice of The Valley‘ which comes out about once a month to keep readers updated on our successes and achievements. Past issues remain available on this website (Go to Information/newsletters.) You can read about how the Choir came through the Covid Pandemic with online concerts, about how the Choir lost its wonderful accompanist, Keith Swallow after 65 years of playing for us, about how we celebrated 100 glorious years of singing and started on ambitious plans for the second century ….. and so much more.
Full History
The Choir is founded and sets up patterns that still feature today.
A rocky start means the Choir almost disbands – but not quite.
A new Conductor emerges. George Stead will go on to lead the Choir for 44 years.
The Choir begins to win prizes and builds a huge reputation.
Huge audience enthusiasm and repeated competition success make the Choir a national leader.
World War Two brings a shift in priorities – but the Choir keeps on singing.
Click on this link for a full version: Our Rich History – 20s and 30s
The Choir continues despite the War.
George Stead returns and the Choir picks up the threads.
Colne Valley become the first singers in a new competition at Llangollen
Old stalwarts depart and new members arrive: rebuilding
Star-studded concerts and leading figures from the world of music
A Silver Anniversary and the Choir’s first foreign tour
Keith Swallow joins as accompanist
Click on this link for a full version: Our Rich History – 40s and 50s
The Sixties sees a second flowering with success on an International scale.
Truly outstanding singing and musical direction under George Stead (now MBE)
A shocking blow – George’s sudden death The Choir regroups.
European tours and ongoing achievements with John Gulley as Conductor
Click on this link for a full version: Our Rich History – 60s and 70s
Nick Powell and the return of John Gulley
Celebrity Concerts and Prime-Ministerial visits
The Choir tours California – and experiences an earthquake
A young conductor arrives and, though we didn’t know it then, starts a new era
Joint music-making with youth and school groups
Thom leads us to a new string of successes
European tours
Keith Swallow completes 40 years
Click on this link for a full version: Our Rich History – 1980s and 90s
The Choir enters the new Millennium in good heart
Competition successes continue: Colne Valley top British choir again.
Colne Valley Boys and recruitment campaigns in local schools.
Our Patron, the 7th Earl passes away – Patricia, Countess of Harewood, takes on role
Anniversaries: – 25 years, 50 years and 125 years
Click on this link for a full version: Our Rich History – 2000 and on
Through his influence on music selection, Thom Meredith has kept the choir abreast of modern trends without sacrificing tradition. Indicative of his achievement is the fact that from a library of over 500 pieces, each season’s programme includes an average of maybe 60 different items. All are performed without music copies in hand – a practice which Thom instigated on his arrival in 1989 and which has continued ever since. It’s about communicating better with the audience, Thom asserted.
The choir owes a debt of gratitude to so many of its members for their various contributions over the years. But times change and so, whilst cherishing the past, we must all look to the future.
The continuing tradition and our aspirations for the future of Colne Valley Male Voice Choir and its singers was well, if a little ornately, expressed by the late Sidney H Crowther, who in a tribute to the choir members, said, “For them, music is a natural form of expression. It is a quest for sweetness and light, an enlargement of the human spirit. They are true amateurs – and we must remember that that word really means lovers. They sing because they are lovers of song, and it is such a love that is – must be – a foundation of a healthy musical life, if music is to be of the people”.
