Port Elizabeth Orchestral Society

Founding and early history
The Port Elizabeth Orchestral Society held its inaugural concert on December 13, 1921, in the Feather Market Hall. The concert was conducted by the City organist, Roger Ascham. The second concert, with some 60 players participating, was held on May 18, 1922, and was regarded as a "brilliant success".

These initial successes were followed by a dormant period until the society was revived with a concert, again conducted by Roger Ascham, was staged on November 29, 1926, in aid of the Christmas Cheer Fund. Dr Tennyson Oates was the new chairman.

Impact on SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
1953: The Orchestral Society was one of the organisations which participated in the play King Henry VIII which was staged at the Feather Market Hall to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

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