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Our History

Successful outcomes often have their origins in simple ideas. The conception of a musical society in North Belfast had its inspiration in the mind of a well-known and respected singing teacher, John Patterson. But as the seeds of this idea were germinating, sectarian strife in North Belfast was driving a wedge between communities. John knew instinctively that if anything could bond a community together it was music and the idea of Fortwilliam Musical Society was born. As John was himself approaching old age, he needed people who were determined to see his project to fruition.

While the idea of an amateur musical society in North Belfast in 1977 may have been simple in its conception, the production of an operetta or a musical show was a somewhat daunting task for ordinary mortals. But among his pupils that year, John Patterson had two exceptional young men with all the credentials for the successful promotion of such an undertaking. They were Gerry Deignan and Billy Curran who convened a meeting on a spring evening in 1977 to which were invited key figures from local choirs, and others with experience in similar ventures. By the end of a long evening, fortified by the ever-present hospitality of the Curran household, a decision was reached to present a Christmas concert. It was also decided to present a production of The Pirates of Penzance in the spring of 1978.

To fulfil John Patterson’s ideal of promoting community harmony as well as tapping into the best of local musical talent, it was decided that young musicians from all the local schools should be invited to join an orchestra to accompany the singing. As a result, Gerry Deignan formed an orchestra which for quite a few years supported the fledgling productions. Some of these young people were later to find their way onto the professional platform. Until the Society moved into a commercial venue in Belfast, productions were to be performed jointly in Ekenhead Memorial Hall on North Circular Road and the assembly hall of Little Flower Girls’ School on Somerton Road.

Energised by the very successful concert, a rehearsal schedule was put in place that would lead to the inaugural production of Fortwilliam Musical Society. However, all the musical talent in the world will not produce a successful performance without key pivotal figures in the background. Fortwilliam was privileged to acquire the assistance of Joan McCready as stage director, herself an experienced actress. Scenic direction was placed in the capable hands of a husband and wife team Kieran and June McGeary, both local art teachers. Set construction was entrusted to the skills of Larry White and John Donnelly while Dennis Hession and Barton Hunter, both sons of founder members, lit the stage.

Throughout its history, Fortwilliam Musical Society has prided itself on the quality of its choral singing. These standards of excellence were set at the very beginning by the painstaking tuition of Mary Mallon who for many years served as accompanist and chorus mistress. With equal devotion, enthusiastic hard work and patience, Marie White throughout the years has, with the help of her loyal support team, dressed the company.

It is gratifying to reflect on the genesis of Fortwilliam Musical Society and the many people who have contributed in a great variety of ways to its success not just as entertainment but as a catalyst that brought our community closer together. It is also wonderful to observe that many of the founder members of the Society are still deeply involved in all aspects of productions and that the places of those who have left or passed on are being taken by the members of a vibrant and enthusiastic Youth Group who, under the talented direction of a hardworking team, enjoy great success with shows such as The Wizard of Oz in 2002 and Annie in 2003.

For the greater part of the past twenty-five years, the musical direction of the Society has been provided by Billy Cairns, whose energy, knowledge and experience has placed the company on an almost professional footing and led to success in competition with the very best in all of Ireland. The special gifts of Peter Kennedy as director / choreographer have brought success in equal measure since his first professional commission with FMS in 1985.

Fortwilliam Musical Society has been well served by a variety of capable and enthusiastic chairmen and chairwomen, secretaries and committee members throughout these twenty-five years but none more faithfully than Eileen Kennedy, who continuously has been the Society’s treasurer, an exceptionally onerous and responsible task. Eileen was nominated by the society for the AIMS Unsung Hero Award as part of our silver anniversary celebrations in 2002-03.

It is my wish that these few lines will record the great debt that the members of Fortwilliam Musical Society both young and old owe to those whose vision, determination and energy have enriched the lives of multitudes whether as performers or as audience.

By John McGrillan, May 2003