Towards the end of the 19th century, there were several choirs in Kirkcudbright and the surrounding district. However, in October 1892, a society known then as the Kirkcudbright Musical Society was formed, rehearsing on a Monday night. The first concert was performed in February 1893 and, in December of that year, the Society gave its first Christmas concert, divided into two parts, sacred and secular. By this time the membership numbered 50.
The Society (referred to as both Kirkcudbright Musical Society and Kirkcudbright Choral Society) continued to flourish until the outbreak of the First World War, when it fell into abeyance. It was re-formed in 1922, when ‘Kirkcudbright Choral Society’ entered (and won!) the inaugural Galloway Music Festival.
From 1922 until 1953, the Society rehearsed to prepare material for this Music Festival, but also to produce an annual concert. The programme was composed mainly of a medley of songs and instrumental pieces provided by the Kirkcudbright String Players.
Reduced audiences in the 1950’s - (blamed on the arrival of TV)- led to a decision to change the type of music performed. For the next 20 years, the Society staged performances of light operas, mainly by Gilbert and Sullivan, but also others such as Offenbach and Lehar. These productions were very popular with the public, the hall being sold out for all four nights each year.
Towards the end of the 1960’s, a concert of Carols and Christmas music was introduced and has continued ever since. Many local people say that Christmas only begins properly with the Choral Christmas concert! Since 1982, for the Spring concert, the Society has performed mainly major religious works, including several Requiems. In recent years, a summer concert of lighter pieces has been added to the annual programme.
