In the late 19th century there existed for twenty years in the East Neuk a Choral Union, which put on concerts once a year, performed by local musicians: singers, instrumentalists and conductors. This organisation mysteriously ceased to function. So it was that in 1892 a public meeting was called and the ‘Phil’ was created with the objectives of filling the gap left by the lost Choral Union and of bringing high quality music back to the East Neuk.
Dedicated work from the local community and musicians from further afield produced concerts of a high standard. In its heyday the Phil numbered 150 members and showcased soloists many of whom became renowned international singers. The concerts were held in Anstruther Town Hall – the only East Neuk venue big enough. The ladies dressed for the performances – in the ‘50s the post-war glamour and evening gowns were so ‘Hollywood’ that the Minister in charge complained of the amount of cleavage on display!
Subsequent decades saw a more sober uniform of red academic gowns adopted, now replaced by the less formal choir style of today; often black but not always. The regularity of concerts ceased only for the Boer and the two world wars, before being interrupted more recently by the Covid crisis. 137 years and a vast range of choral work later, the Phil has a proud tradition. A much diminished and aging membership emerged from the solitude of the Covid years. Hampered by the loss of their musical director, the Society began slowly rebuilding and is now thriving under its new Director, the Argentinian born composer and pianist, Au Arias. The aim remains to provide high quality concerts in the heart of the East Neuk and to bring to the people of this lovely part of Scotland the recognised benefits to health and well-being that singing together can bring.
To quote a review of a performance of Semele in the 1960s, (cited in the Society’s centenary history booklet): ‘Community music making of a quality which is its own commendation. It is something which must be cherished and encouraged in an age when so many have abandoned it for things demanding less effort, less discipline.’
We hope to fulfil the reviewer’s wish in a way of which our predecessors could be proud as we take our share in guiding the Phil through its second century.
