Nelson Arion Male Voice Choir
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History
The choir was founded as the ‘Nelson Arion Glee Party’ in 1887 by 8 men from the Nelson and Pendle area in north-east Lancashire. Both locally and in choral circles the choir is referred to as ‘The Arion.'   The choir takes its name, ARION, from the legendary Greek Poet and Musician (of the 7th Century B.C.) who was famous for his successes in competition and whose Lyre and Laurel-wreath are featured on the Choir's official badge. This picture shows Nelson Arion Glee Union in 1913, with their currently held trophies including the Bardic Chair won at Caergwrle in 1910 and the Blackpool Challenge Shield win in 1912. Also included are 5 trophies won in 1913 in the space of 36 days: The Ilkley challenge Shield on April 19th, the Morecambe Challenge Shield on May 3rd, cups from Hawarden and Bwlchgwyn both won on May 17th and the Birmingham Challenge Shield won on May 24th. The conductor of the choir at that time was Lawson Berry (seated to right of Bardic Chair) whose family have held this unique award since that time. The Arion have recently been contacted by the family who are to re-present the Chair to the Arion at a Concert to be held at the Municipal Hall - Colne on the 1st October 2005. This is a charity concert in support of Colne Rotary, featuring the Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band. Members of the present Nelson Arion Glee Union Male Voice Choir are proud to continue the fine tradition of music making which has continued unbroken, despite the intervention of two World Wars. The Choir takes part in Festival Competitions and choral Concerts. Together these ventures maintain an impressive standard of singing with a wide repertoire of Choral music which has brought highly acclaimed prizes and has delighted and entertained audiences locally, nationally and internationally. The present membership is 70. Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Higherford Methodist Church, Barrowford, Nelson. New members are always welcome.See our Recruitment page. In 1967 Mr. Jack Smith retired as conductor after 10 successful years in which he had restored the standards and the successes of the Nelson Arion Glee Union. But the Smith family connection continued as he was superseded by his eldest son Frank. Mr. Frank Smith M.A. has conducted the choir for the nearly 40 years and his commitment, dedication and enthusiasm continue unabated. In fact, there is a prophetic myth attributed to him which typifies his own devotion to the cause: "We rehearse every Monday evening apart for the one year in seven when December 25th falls on a Monday!". Frank Smith places a high value on competitive success. He leads with outstanding musical ability and while his energy and enthusiasm compel high standards he accepts nothing less from his choir. The choir's achievements and its reputation during his reign as Musical Director are due immeasurably to his professional musicianship conveyed through his efforts and his dedication.
©2005 Nelson Arion Male Voice Choir created and maintained by Random Moz IT for real people.		info@nelsonarion.org.uk