The York Philharmonic Male Choir celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and The Press spoke to chairman Mike Wash just before its final performance in 2024, looking into the archives as they plan for the special milestone. After passing through, they shared their memories.
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Mike said: “We started thinking about this over two years ago with a view to inviting friends from Germany and the Netherlands.
“Unfortunately, due to various circumstances, we are unable to have the entire choir come, but there is an emergency situation.
“They have been twinning with us for over 50 years, that is Munster and Lochem in the Netherlands.
“What happens when we meet is we actually pass something called a peace candle, which represents peace in Europe.
“In 2015, we traveled to Europe to bring together all the choirs from European countries to celebrate peace on the continent, and it was a great occasion.
“So, like booking the venue, it’s one of the earliest things you need to do.”
he said: “It will be within a week.
“The Barbican mainly includes Harmonia Malton, Easingwold's Jubilate Ladies Choir, the Citadel Ladies, a small men's choir called the Sound Fellows, and occasional members of the York RI Golden Rail Band, led by Nick Eastwood. It will be a concert with our friends. It will sound great.
“In addition, we are planning a summer concert with the theme “Songs of the Years.''
“As you can imagine, going back to 1925, we asked archivist Colin Hockridge to look at the songs we were singing at the time and actually sing samples of songs from each decade. I got a taste of the new year's atmosphere. My attitude toward music has changed.”
Mike said: “Christmas Traditions,'' an annual four-day event held at the Citadel in Gillygate, was filmed singing carols at Kirkgate in 1962.
“Since then, we have sung some form of traditional carols in York every year.
“Looking back, Colin is working on the second edition of a book called Sound Fellows, which traces our history from its beginnings, and the images that go back to that time are amazing, so I'm really looking forward to the reprint.”
“'Christmas Traditions' is a great annual event.
“Word got out, it gained momentum, and by Friday we were nearly full for the first time.
“We had 200 people in attendance, usually 100 to 120 people, but that Friday we had 200 people.
“It was really packed and had a great atmosphere.”
Regarding the secret to keeping the 100-year-old choir fresh, Mike said:
“We meet every Monday night after rehearsals at the Snickleway Inn in Goodrum Gate and have been doing so for many years. New members are always welcome.
“It’s interesting that we get tourists, both from America and Sweden, and they especially come to listen to us, so they enjoy that social aspect.
“Every few years we tour, go abroad, and play different festivals.
“We went to the Cork International Festival earlier this year and it was a great opportunity.
“We were singing with 14 international choirs and it certainly made an impact.
“Every time I sang, I got a standing ovation.
“It's important that we constantly refresh our repertoire and mix the old with the new. 'Run' by Snow Patrol is one of our most requested songs and a West End standard. and mixed with traditional male vocal performances.”
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