The Barbirolli Society 1972-2024

[Nimrod]

Just in case it's not common knowledge, I thought I should tell you that by a vote of the members at a recent EGM, it was decided that the Society will close down on January 31st 2024 and cease.
The main reason for the cessation of activity is the dearth of new material; any 'off the air' recordings would have been made before July 1970 and by virtue of the five decades since then, it's more than likely most of the people recording such things have passed away and maybe the reel to reel tapes went with them.
That last release of the superb live Prom's performance of Schubert's 9th is a fitting send-off for a society and its namesake that was first formed in January 1972. Not sure if any other societies of a similar nature have lasted over 50 years?
I'm told there will still be some CD's (remaining stock) to be found on Amazon.

[Barbirollians]

That’s sad news - the Stoky Society went the same way a few years back . I would encourage in particular anyone to snap up the Du Pre/Campoli coupling and the live Czech PO recordings.

[smittims]

The Barbirolli society and their associates (Mike Dutton etc.) have done sterling work over the years in reviving valuable recordings. Many may not appreciate just how much hard work there is in this; some of the original material is fragile and difficult to restore. I heard one sad story of a pair of 78s of the first (NGS) recording of Elgar's Introduction and Allegro, which arrived smashed to pieces. I was disappointed to find my copy of D1697 : the first ever recording of Delius' Song before Sunrise, broken , so I was glad the society reissued it on CD. Well done , Barbirolli Society , and R.I.P.

[Andrew Slater]

I'm sure I read somewhere recently that the Barbirolli Society had been rescued by the Hallé Concerts Society. I can't find any source at the moment, but a member of the Barbirolli Society confirmed it to me at the time.

[smittims]

It's a sign of the times. The Elgar Edition was rescued by the Elgar Society when Novellos backed out, AJ Jackson's multi-volume history of British Aviation was rescued by the RAF Museum when Putnams backed out, and all over the country Post Offices are being rescued by Co-Ops , and WH Smith, until there's no-one to rescue WH Smith. Along with Pub and bank branch closures and the disappeareance of cash, it's part of a vast social change the end of which cannot be foreseen.