A Story of Tradition, Triumph and Trials
Bradford Festival Choral Society (BFCS), founded in 1856, has a storied history of presenting iconic choral works. Among these, Handel’s Messiah stands out as both a cornerstone of the Society’s repertoire and a reflection of its evolving journey. Thanks to G.F. Sewell’s detailed records, we can trace the Society’s relationship with this monumental work—a tale of both resounding success and challenging setbacks.
Handel’s Messiah, with its stirring choruses and profound solos, has long held a special place in Yorkshire’s musical heritage. As Sewell noted, “Handel produced his most sublime effects in the chorus, and there are no singers so well able and disposed to become his mouthpiece as the Yorkshire singers, and among them none excel Bradford.” This confident assertion underscores the pride the BFCS took in its ability to interpret this timeless masterpiece.
In its early years, the Society’s Messiah performances were eagerly anticipated and central to Bradford’s festive traditions. By the 1880s, Sewell described Handel’s famous oratorio as “considered as a permanent institution, to be looked for with the same degree of expectation as the roast beef, plum pudding, and mince pies, of that festive season.”
However, by the late 1880s, Messiah faced financial challenges. Sewell recorded: “For many years an annual profit of about £60 had been made from the Messiah performances, but in 1887 the result had been a loss of £24 6s. 8d., and it was therefore determined for the present to discontinue the giving of the work.”
Nevertheless, BFCSs’ bond with Messiah proved resilient with sporadic returns of the work as well as the return of annual performances, albeit with mixed results. Sewell’s records reflect both the passion for the work and the challenges of drawing consistent audiences: “The performance of the work this year, however, on December 18th [1903], notwithstanding the engagement of an excellent cast of principals, resulted in a loss of £37 10s, 10d.” The decision to pause annual performances of Messiah was undoubtedly a difficult one, reflecting the changing dynamics of choral music and the Society’s audience.
Today, we celebrate the resilience of this tradition and invite you to be part of its return to our choir’s historic and spiritual home, St George’s Hall, during our City of Culture year. Join us on November 15, 2025, for a stirring performance of Messiah. Secure your tickets from Bradford Theatres Box Office early and bring your friends and family to enjoy this timeless masterpiece. Let’s ensure that Messiah continues to inspire Bradford audiences for years to come!
Quotes from “A history of the Bradford Festival Choral Society”, G.F.Sewell, 1907
