In the Spring of 1959, approximately fifty singers, led by Dr James Hall, set off from Deal to 'go behind the iron curtain' in order to sing a festival commemorating the 200th anniversary of Handel's death. The Halle Handel Society hosted the choir, and it is reported that at the time the Deal and Walmer Handelian Society were the first English choir to perform in Germany after the second world war.

The main work that the society performed during the festival was Dr Hall's own edition (published by Barenreiter) of Handel's L'Allegro ed Il Penseroso and was performed with the Halle State Orchestra, and British virtuoso harpsichordist Thurston Dart. The performance was broadcast live on both Halle and Berlin radio stations. The performance was by all accounts and instant success and it was reported that members of the Russian Academy State Choir (below stage waiting for their 'turn') applauded the Handelian Society out into the busy streets of Halle.

The Deal And Walmer Handelian Society

On Sunday, the society was invited to Leipzig, where they recorded a selection of English folksongs for Leipzig radio and educational association. This was directed by Martin Hall, son of Dr Hall.

The final day, before leaving, the Handelians gave a short concert at the University, laid a wreath on Handel's statue and sung the National Anthem before returning to the United Kingdom.

An excerpt from the East Kent Mercury April 23rd, 1959:

Dr Hall: "Our performance was enthusiastically received and my Handelians were simply marvellous - the fact that we were only an amateur choir surprised the German audience. It is worth recording that we were the only amateurs there."

Other choirs involved in the festival were: Russian Academy Choir from Moscow; the Czech Philharmonic Choir from Prague; Berlin Radio Chorus and State Opera; and the Dellar Consort from the UK.