Durham University Choral Society was formed some years before the Second World War, probably in 1938 or 1939, but after only a few years it was disbanded, to be reformed in 1947 under the direction of Mr A.F. Dikinson. During Dickinson's tenure as conductor, which lasted until Easter 1951, one of the works performed was Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius, which was most recently performed by the society in March 1994 under James Lancelot, the society's present conductor. The first DUCS performance of this work involved a considerable smaller choir than today's, with only three singers in one of the male voice parts.
Mr Dickinson was succeeded by Mr J.P.B Dobbs, who conducted the choir in many major works, including Brahms' Requiem, and Bach's Mass in B Minor, also performed by the society in 1993. Other works performed in the 1950s include Belioz's Childhood of Christ, and Mozart's Requiem.
In the 1970s, the society was privileged to perform Berlioz's Te Deum, both in Durham Cathedral and later in York Minster under the direction of Mr Brian Primmer. This work was also performed as part of celebrations for the installation of Dame Margot Fonteyn as Chancellor of Durham University.
Mr Primmer was succeeded in 1987 by our present conductor, James Lancelot. He is the first conductor who is not a member of the University staff, and also the first to hold auditions. Under James' direction, the society has performed a number of major works including Handel's Israel in Egypt, Beethoven's Mass in D, and Verdi's Requiem.
For more information on performances in recent years, please follow the Concerts link on the left navigator.