Eastbourne Choral Society
History

These historical notes on the rebirth of Eastbourne Choral Society were submitted by Elizabeth Muir-Lewis.

When Elizabeth Muir-Lewis decided to take up conducting after her successful career as a singer; it seemed natural to consider forming a choral society
What to call it? Was there room for another choir?
Now resident in Eastbourne, she was astonished to realise that there was not a choral society representing the town.
This seemed extraordinary!
In the past there had been two attempts to rectify this, but neither had survived. So after checking with Eastbourne Council, Elizabeth announced that she was forming Eastbourne Choral Society
In two days she had over seventy singers. Now Eastbourne town had its own choir. Now she was going in to unknown territory. The hard part was to come! What would they sing? Scores to be ordered, booking a rehearsal hail, weekly rehearsals, what should the choir ladies wear? Myriads of things that running a choir means.
The choir went on three European trips...To Belgium (Ghent) France (Paris, Chartres) Switzerland (Geneva) Seventy singers on two buses... finding Chartres organ out of order, Le Madelaine Church in Paris had no chairs for the singers, a fantastic concert in Ghent when everyone ended up singing “Land of Hope and Glory”.. plus a soprano who had hysterics just before she went on!
Soon Elizabeth’s choir was a fine choral group, building up a varied and extensive repertoire. Always adventurous. After Vaughn Williams “Hodie” the critic wrote “Elizabeth Muir-Lewis is a courageous woman”
Among many standard works Rutter’s “Requiem” stands out. The soprano soloist was Wendy Wailer, the American singer. Lord Healey read a poem.
Over ten years Elizabeth and her choir performed such works as Rutter’s “The Reluctant Dragon” This was so successful that they went on to perform it in various venues all over the country... A notable staged “Die Fledermaus”.. a staged “Elijah” with Neil Jenkins and Rodney Clarke.
Then for her final work with the choir, a staged “St Matthew Passion” again with Neil Jenkins and the then Ditchling Choral Society joining Eastbourne Choral Society with the Royal Academy of Music orchestra.
With her contacts in the music world Elizabeth attracted many international artists, gave choral master classes, invited distinguished colleagues to take a master class such as Brian Kay, and John Rutter. She persuaded Sir David Wilcox and Sir Simon Rattle to become Patrons.
In 2003, after ten years at the helm, Elizabeth decided to hand the baton over to John Hancorn, who has gone on to be a superb musical director.
As life President, Elizabeth continues to take a keen interest in all the choir does. She very much hopes that this time Eastbourne Choral Society continues on to be a permanent part of the musical life of Eastbourne.

                                         Charity Registration No 106370/0