Recordings and Society news - Sir Arthur Sullivan Society

The Martyr of Antioch and The Chieftain

Recording sessions for the Society’s new recording of The Martyr of Antioch took place at the Watford Colosseum in early March 2026. Soloists included Anush Hovhannisyan, Kitty Whately, William Morgan, Ben McAteer and Robert Hayward. The BBC Symphony Chorus and BBC Concert Orchestra were conducted by John Andrews. The recording also included Hely-Hutchinson orchestration of Sullivan’s song cycle The Window. It is hoped that the recording will be issued by early next year.

Donations towards the cost of the recording of any size are most welcome. Donations of £500 and above will receive a copy of the recording when issued and a credit in the CD booklet. Donations of £100 will receive a copy of the recording.

You may make a donation online at Martyr of Antioch or by contacting Christopher Richardson at sales@sullivansociety.org.uk to arrange a bank transfer. Contributions by PayPal are also welcome. Cheques, payable to Sir Arthur Sullivan Society, should be sent to Christopher Richardson, Fuchsia Cottage, Main Road, Colwich, Staffordshire ST17 0XE.

Recording dates for the Society’s next project, The Chieftain, have been set for 5th to 9th January 2027. Details of how you can donate to towards the cost of the recording will be announced in due course. If you wish to donate now you can do so here.

Dates for your diary
The Society’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 17th October 2026 at D’Oyly Carte Island near Weybridge. The meeting, which will commence at 1.30pm, will be followed at 2.30 by a talk on Fanny Ronalds given by J. Donald Smith and at 3.45, after an interval for refreshments, there will be a short recital of Sullivan’s music. Formal announcements giving full details will be made in the Society’s Magazine and Newsletter.

Looking further ahead, the Society is planning a series of events to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Society which will include a performance of Sullivan’s music to be given as part of the Windsor Festival in 2027 . The Festival is likely to take place mid-September. Dates and further details will be announced when the programme has been finalised.

New bust of Sullivan

The Society has commissioned a new bust of Sir Arthur moulded from carrara marble dust by Sculptured Arts Studio. It has been reproduced from an original parianware bust made by Robins & Leadbetter of Stoke-on-Trent in the 1890s. The bust, priced £40 plus postage, is available by contacting our Sales Office at sales@sullivansociety.org.uk

Frederic Sullivan – The Original Learned Judge, by Elaine Richardson

Elaine Richardson’s new book gives a fresh perspective on the life of Frederic Sullivan. It tells Fred’s Story, including the relationship with his younger brother, Arthur Sullivan, through letters, other original documents, and from people who knew him.

The book is now available to purchase directly from the author at elaineatsass@aol.com price £15, which includes UK first class postage.