Middleton Musical Society

250th Anniversary

2022 marks 250 years since the Choir was formed in 1772.  We marked the occasion with a grand concert whose centrepiece was Beethoven’s Mass in C. The Choir was supported by members of the Burnley Orchestra and four soloists: Freda Farnworth, Christine Morton, Michael Jones and Maurice Rushby, all under the musical direction of Brian Morton.

Beethoven’s Mass in C is less well known and performed less often than the longer and more difficult Mass in D. We had hoped to present this piece to celebrate Beethoven’s own 250th in 2020, until Covid intervened, but the piece was enjoyed by performers and audience alike.

The first half of the concert included Vivaldi: Gloria, Ev’ry Valley and Rejoice Greatly from Messiah, Rutter: A Gaelic Blessing, the spiritual A Balm in Gilead, Caccini: Ave Maria, Bruckner: Locus Iste, Mendelssohn: It is Enough, and  Pergolesi: Magnificat.

The evening was attended by Alderman Theresa Fitzsimons and sponsored by Middleton Township.

Contact Information

Middleton Musical Society

St. Stephen's Church
Cheapside
Middleton

Tel: 0161 620 6657

Mobile: 01204 398319

Meeting times

Middleton Musical Society was founded in 1772, since when its choir has performed on countless occasions to the delight of thousands of members of audiences drawn from the town itself and its neighbouring localities.

Rehearsal.  The choir meets to rehearse on Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in St. Stephen's Church, High Street (off Cheapside), Middleton.  

New members are always welcome in all the sections. There are no auditions, but it is expected that all singers will be seeking to enhance the performance of the choir as a whole, as well as find satisfaction in their own development as musicians.

Repertory. From madrigals to musicals, cantatas to chamber operas - the range of music to be experienced by a MMS singer is quite extensive, and includes music written specially for them.

Further information can be obtained from the Musical Director or one of the committee members.

Musical Director:  Brian Morton tel. 01204 398319

Chairman:  Ian Butterworth tel. 01706 522 264

Secretary: Janet Albiston tel. 0161 654 8584

Treasurer: Elizabeth Wiener tel. 01706 641267