WRITER H.G Wells once said, “Adapt or perish, now as ever, is nature’s inexorable imperative.”

After 110 years of people singing their hearts out as part of the Trowbridge Philharmonic Choral Society, that very issue was becoming more and more apparent.

Numbers began to dwindle and something needed to be done. In an effort to revitalise the group, members did away with that name and in 2017 it became the Trowbridge Chorus.

“I think the word philharmonic might have put people off as they expected a huge orchestra. We wanted to make it more inclusive, so we changed the name,” said group member Mavis Green.

“We are celebrating our 111th birthday as a society and one year as the new chorus.”

Although the current group formed in 1907, the first Trowbridge Philharmonic Society was formed by Rector and poet George Crabbe in 1810. In 1887 the society merged with the Trowbridge Musical Union but by 1904, the singing group was in a state of ‘suspended animation’, due to financial difficulties.

However, it got back into the swing of things in 1907 with a successful concert, and thus, the singing group has continued on ever since.

Fast forward to December 2017, the society was bus preparing for a festive concert, which had an Austrian and German theme, at St James’ Church in Trowbridge.

Led by musical director and conductor Graham Dalby, a graduate of Trinity College of Music London and the founder of the internationally renowned London Swing Orchestra, the singers performed pieces from Schubert, Brahms, Bach, along with English carols - something that did wonders for the group.

“Graham is so energetic and it is so great to have him on board,” said Mrs Green.

We have a very bright future ahead. Off the back of that concert we now have gone up around 10 members, approaching the 50 mark.” The bolstered society is now preparing for its next concert on May 12 at St James’.

The singers meet at 7.30pm on Monday’s at Holbrook Primary and for more information visit http://www.trowbridgechoral.org.uk/