The University of Aberdeen is set to revive one of its most popular musical groups from the 18th century when the Aberdeen Musical Society reforms this week for the first time in 200 years.
The Aberdeen Musical Society’s St Cecilia’s Day Concert will be the first performance by the Society since it disbanded in 1805.
The Society was the centre of musical life in Aberdeen from its foundation in 1748. In its day its members included many of the most eminent citizens of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, including many senior members of both Universities – King’s College and Marischal College.
Professor Peter Davidson, Professor in Renaissance Studies, said: “The riches of our collections are so great that we have enough 18th century music to re-create Aberdeen Musical Society concerts for many years to come.
“I hope that this St Cecilia’s Day concert will become an annual fixture in the life of the University and the city.”
Among the Aberdeen Musical Society’s founders were Dr John Gregory, of the dynasty of surgeons and medical Professors, and generous donor to the Library.
When the Society closed, it left some of its music and instruments and Cosmo Alexander’s painting of St Cecilia, which had adorned its concert room in the keeping of the Librarian of Marischal College, “until such time as the Society should be revived.”
Now, after a summer of research in the University’s Historic Collections and elsewhere, the Society is being revived for this week’s concert, which will give the audience a unique chance to hear music from the society’s repertoire in the late 1700s, played in the programme order of an authentic 18th century concert.
Dr Roger Williams, Director of University Music and Organist to the University, said: “It’s very exciting to reform a Society that was such a great influence on performers and audiences alike in the 18th century.
“The society was responsible for bringing to Aberdeen music both Ancient and Modern as was the fashion in other major cities at that time.
“We are very thrilled that among the treasures of the Special Collections is so much music from this period.”
The St Cecilia painting will also be on display, as well as a special programme booklet with a history of the Society and an essay on music from 18th century Aberdeen in the Library Collections.
Dr Roger Williams will lead an ensemble playing music by Corelli and James Oswald. There will also be the modern premiere of the C major piano Concerto of James Ross, organist of St Paul’s Chapel Aberdeen in the last years of the 18th century.
As was the custom of the Society, each part of the concert will end with a song.
The Aberdeen Musical Society Concert for St Cecilia will be held tomorrow (Tuesday, November 22), at 7.45pm in King’s College Chapel.
Tickets are available from Aberdeen Box Office on (01224) 641122 or visit: www.abdnboxoffice.com or at the door until sold out.
The University of Aberdeen recently launched its new music programme for the winter season 2005. A copy of the new University Music programme can be obtained by contacting: (01224) 272570, or by emailing: music@abdn.ac.uk.
Full details of all University concerts are available in the brochure or by visiting: www.abdn.ac.uk/music