How it all began

How it all began...

Chesterfield Operatic Society was formed in January 1905 when Mr. Jack Richardson, one of the "male friends" of the Hospital entertainment, convened a meeting in the Hotel Portland of people interested in forming an "Amateur Operatic Company" in Chesterfield.

The meeting was well attended and a sufficient number of guarantors ensured the financial backing for a production.

Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Micado" was selected, Mr. G. H. Sadler was invited to conduct, Mr Ryde became stage manager and "coach", Mr. Willis Glossop undertook the onerous duties of secretary, and at a later meeting Miss Violet Markham became the first president of the Society.

The show was presented in the Corporation Theatre (now the Pomegranate Theatre - where all of the Society's shows have been staged throughout its 100 year history), and was a great success.

The original programme from 1905.

Apart from two breaks caused by the two World Wars, there has been a continuous run, with no fewer than 59 different shows having been presented. Each production has brought new faces and new voices before the operatic audience and the Society is proud to still be welcoming new members 100 years on.

Chesterfield Operatic Society was founded in 1905 and we are proud to still be performing more than 100 years on!President: Mr. George Kenning We're on http://www.britinfo.net