EDGAR KESSELL CONDUCTS
THE TREVERVA MALE VOICE CHOIR (Accompanist: Edward Goldsmith)
THE MABE LADIES CHOIR (Accompanist: Phyllis Benney)
THE POLICE CHOIR (Accompanist: Ernest Green)
THE COMBINED MALE VOICE CHOIRS and THE COMBINED MALE AND LADIES CHOIRS
Edgar Kessell, M.B.E. and Bard of the Cornish Gorsedd, was born October 8th, 1910 at Lamanva, a small village about four miles west of Falmouth and only about half a mile from Treverva where he has lived for the past 35 years. His first experience in the world of music was at the age of ten, when he joined the Treverva Methodist Church Choir. In 1928, with three other members of the choir, he formed a quartette, later competing in the St. Dennis Festival where they won their section. By the outbreak of the war in 1939 the quartette had competed in over 60 competitions, winning all but four. Their highlights were the Bournemouth Festival and the London Westminster Festival. Meanwhile, his first role as a conductor was in 1931 with the Treverva Methodist Choir; a choir that developed to a well-remembered, impressive standard.
THE TREVERVA MALE VOICE CHOIR was formed in 1936—Edgar Kessell conducting until the outbreak of the 1939 war. They re-formed in 1946 and while Edgar Kessell did not take them again until 1957, he continues to conduct them still. With their long line of successes, which includes twice winning at the Cheltenham Festival and once at Blackpool, the famous Treverva Male Voice Choir is one of the country’s foremost choirs. As with Edgar’s other choirs, the Treverva has made many radio broadcasts and television appearances over the years.
It was in September, 1940 that he formed another famous male voice choir—THE CLIMAX, with the intended idea of raising funds to help relieve the terrible distress of Plymouth in the “blitz” years. For the next 32 years he led them from success to success, winning at Cheltenham, Blackpool, Oxford and Westminster and coming a close third in the great International Eisteddfod at Llangollen. In 1972, in recognition of his service, Edgar was made honorary life musical director of the Climax Male Voice Choir. It was in 1947 that Edgar was asked to take over THE MABE LADIES CHOIR on the retirement of the Rev. Daley Atkinson. A special mention must be made here of the Rev. Atkinson for Edgar says. “He was a constant source of inspiration to me and did probably more than any man to influence my approach to music”. The Mabe Ladies, in common with every choir ever led by Edgar Kessell, went from strength to strength, winning competitions and the affection of audiences everywhere. No doubt their highspot was the winning of the Gold Cup at Cheltenham Music Festival (1973)—a trophy awarded to the outstanding choir of the whole event.
In 1966 he took over yet another choir, THE DEVON & CORNWALL CONSTABULARY No. 1 DISTRICT MALE VOICE CHOIR, but more popularly known as just “The Police Choir”. Great credit must go to both Edgar and them for, despite their widely dispersed membership, limited and often interrupted practice time, their fine singing has won them a place in the hearts of enthusiasts everywhere. In recognition of all his work, Edgar Kessell and his wife were invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace in 1974, but as Edgar says, “The highlight of my whole career was the award of the M.B.E. in the Honours List of this year (1975), when my wife, who has always supported me, and son accompanied me to Buckingham Palace in February to receive the award from Her Majesty The Queen Mother”. Edgar continues, “I accepted this honour on behalf of all members of all my choirs past and present and for my many true and sincere friends throughout the country”. A very modest statement from a man whose friends and admirers are now to be found in every country in the world. His various choirs have all made records including several on the Sentinel label:—Sens. 1009 “Sounds Arresting” (The Police Choir), Sens. 1010 “The Seasons Best” (Climax Male & Mabe Ladies) in a programme of Merritt & Nicholas carols and Sens. 1013 “Born in Song” (Climax Male & Mabe Ladies) favourite Methodist hymns. Sentinel receives mail from every country where there is a Cornishman and those referring to Edgar Kessell and his choirs contain nothing but praise. We are sure that this latest record will be received with equal acclaim even though it is but a small sample of the work of EDGAR KESSELL, BELOVED CORNISH MAN OF MUSIC
Side One:
1. LLANFAIR (Combined Choirs)
2. THE CREATION (Treverva)
3. THE NIGHTINGALE (Mabe Ladies)
4. AVE MARIA (Mabe Ladies)
5. GWAHODDIAD (Police)
6. SPEED YOUR JOURNEY (Combined Male)
Side Two:
1. MARCH OF THE PEERS (Police)
2. I GOT SHOES ( Treverva)
3. DREAM ANGUS (Mabe Ladies)
4. BELMONT (Combined Choirs)
5. NOBODY KNOWS (Treverva)
6. SPIN SPIN (Police)
7. CRIMOND (Combined Choirs)
Recorded At – St. John’s Methodist Church, St. Austell
