The Deal And Walmer Handelian Society

The Deal and Walmer Handelian Society was formed in 1946 by Dr James S Hall. 'Local legend' has it that he, along with Deal organist Ernest Stride, travelled to Canterbury to hear a local choral society perform Handel's Solomon. After hearing the performance both men resolved that they could produce similar if not better efforts in Deal.

On June 17th 1946 the East Kent Mercury reports Dr Hall as saying:

"I believe a small choral society might be formed with advantage, to specialise in Handelian music this autumn".

The society's first performance (Handel's Samson) took place 5th December 1946 in St Leonard's Church, Deal.

The society thrived under Dr Hall, establishing a reputation for good and accurate performance of Handel's choral works. In 1959 the society was invited to commemorate Handel's death by performing in Halle, Eastern Germany.

As early as 1955 the society established a strong relationship with the Royal Marines at their Deal School of Music, and Lt Col. Paul Neville, the then Director of Music at the Deal School, remains our president.

In 1973 Dr Hall retired as conductor and Dr John Pond was elected conductor, a post he held for the following 31 years. Under Dr Pond the group explored a rich and varied curriculum of new music by other composers, and many other great musical figures guest-conducted and worked with the society -Dr E Thiman and Thurston Dart. In 2003 Dr Pond retired from his conducting position and Peter Litman was elected Conductor of the society.

The society now numbers approximately 50 amateur singers and is supported in performance by the Becker Ensemble.