When the 125th anniversary edition of ERCU’s history was completed (now trimmed down to a mere 20 pages), the choir was just embarking on the 1982-83 season and looking forward to performing celebratory concerts to mark this significant achievement. At that time Geoffrey Ditcham held the post of chorus master, the first in the history of ERCU to hold that title, having taken over the reins from the previous conductor, John McLeod, in 1980. The change in title was significant and resulted from a policy change made by the directors. Thus began a different régime for ERCU, with a chorus master preparing the choir for various eminent conductors.

Choir Practice in 1980.

The two main concerts for the season, apart from Messiah (conducted in 1983 by John McLeod), exemplified the range and scope of the choir. First, in December 1982, Bach’s Mass in B Minor (a work which had received its first Scottish performance by the then Edinburgh Choral Union in 1907) was conducted by Christopher Seaman with Leonard Friedman leading an orchestra incorporating the Scottish Baroque Ensemble.

In April 1983, ERCU renewed its association with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, once an annual fixture which had lapsed for several years. By chance, it was ‘between conductors’; Sir Charles Groves was acting as ‘locum tenens’, so it was good fortune that he should conduct the performance of Vaughan Williams' Sea Symphony. The performance, broadcast later on Radio 3, was memorable for all involved - safe in the expressive hands of Sir Charles, with Margaret Marshall and Stephen Roberts as splendid soloists. Among the audience (and very complimentary) were Ursula Vaughan Williams, the composer's widow, and Dame Isobel Baillie (honorary vice-president of ERCU) who, sadly, died just a few months later.

Despite generous financial support from both Esso Petroleum and the Royal Bank of Scotland, it’s clear that not too much of it was squandered on programme design!

Text accompanying the newspaper photo above:
"What better way to celebrate 125 years of the Edinburgh Royal Choral Union than by accepting sponsorship. here, Lord Provost Tom Morgan accepts a cheque on behalf of the choral union, represented by the president, Mr Alistair Munro (left), from Mr T D McKeith, of Esso Petroleum Company Ltd. The choral union were founded in November 1858 and received the "Royal" title from King George V in 1911. They open their 125th season on Saturday, December 4, with a performance of Bach's Mass in B minor, featuring the Scottish Baroque Ensemble conducted by Christopher Seaman at the Usher Hall."

Although no anniversary dinner was held or civic reception offered, ERCU itself organised an "invitation only" reception in the Usher Hall's Grand Tier Loggia after the April concert in 1983 and a buffet supper for all members in the hall of the Royal College of Physicians in November 1983. Other than the outstanding concerts, the 125th anniversary was a more modest affair.

You can see photographs and read about our anniversaries and other celebrations by clicking the links below.
Back to history - Jubilee - Centenary - 125th anniversary - 150th anniversary - Royal Charter centenary - Usher Hall centenary - Edinburgh Festivals