50th anniversary celebration for Omagh Music Society

AN Omagh music group steeped in local history are preparing to celebrate their 50th year in existence with a concert.

In December 1972, the ‘brain child’ of Reginald (Reggie) Slane soon became what is now popularly known as the Omagh Music Society.

Reginald, the then organist and choir-master at St Columba’s Parish Church, aspired to start a choir that ‘everyone could join’.

And so, with hope in his heart, he appealed for interested members to attend a meeting – and thus began the tale of Omagh Music Society.

Current chairperson, Heather Patterson, takes up the story…

“Reggie organised a meeting hoping that enough people would be interested to warrant setting up a group,” she began.

“He wanted to see what the reaction was and encouraged interested parties to come along.”

And the uptake was very positive in those early stages.

“Over 50 people turned up on the night and it was people from all around – Fintona, Sixmilecross, Newtownstewart to name a few,” continued Heather.

“Also, people belonged to different churches.”

And so, Reggie, arranged for the first practice to begin in September of 1972.

“Members began practicing in the Loreto Convent music room and by that stage there was over 80 people in the group,” said Heather.

“Within a few months the group was performing Handel’s Messiah to a packed congregation in St Columba’s Church.”

That first performance set the tone for the next 50 years – packed with successful concerts, ethereal music and good times amongst friends.

“Over the years we’ve had lots of competent members – musicians, teachers, and clergy – as well as just ordinary people,” said Heather.

“Everyone has made a contribution whether they’ve been in the choir for one year, ten years or even more.”

‘solid foundations’

Heather believes the group is built on ‘solid foundations’ and will still be around for years to come.

“Sometimes it feels as though the choir is getting smaller and you wonder – Is it going to last?

“But then there is an influx of new members and the choir is thriving again, which is reassuring,” she stated.

Next week, Omagh Music Society celebrates its Golden Anniversary with a concert at the Strule Arts Centre, on the same site as Omagh Town Hall, the venue for some of its performances in the past.

This concert, on Friday, May 12, is going to be a musical extravaganza with works by John Rutter, Brahms, Lloyd Webber, Vaughan Williams and others, with reflections on the choir’s past.

The anniversary event will be conducted by musical director, Dr David Baxter and the accompanist will be Derick Weir, both former members of the choir.