Early Days
In no small way, Jubilo can trace its origins right back to 1871 when W.S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan first collaborated on a small Christmas musical extravaganza called Thespis. Many years and many performances of G&S operas later, the Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Group - EUSOG - was born with its first production, of The Mikado, taking place in February 1962. In the late 1970s, a group who had become friends through EUSOG were enthusiastically discussing the formation of a choir.. A Steering Group, including Walter Thomson, the Musical Director of EUSOG, was formed, met for the first time on 16th August 1981, agreed a framework for the new group, and Jubilo came into being with its first Concert in December, 1981.
Walter Thomson, better known to the choir as "Wattie", was instrumental in creating the musical style of the choir and remained its Musical Director for 35 years, retiring in the Spring of 2016. Under Walter’s direction, the choir grew in numbers and in musical capability, enabling it to perform many major works. In recognition of his exceptional contribution to the formation and development of the choir, Walter was offered, and was delighted to accept, an appointment as the choir's President.
Within 3 years, the choir was well established, with a membership of around 70, a number which has remained largely constant up to the present day. An annual Spring concert had been established and the number and variety of other engagements was growing steadily.
Keeping up Appearances
It has always been an aim of the choir to not only sound good but to look as polished and professional as possible on stage. Care was taken in every aspect from the moment the choir lined up and walked on. Stands and sits had to be choreographed and, at the end of any item, no-one should move a muscle until the conductor lowered his baton.
Choir dress has also had a great deal of attention over the years. While, from the beginning, it was agreed that the gentlemen should wear dinner jackets, white shirts and black bow ties, it was in 1984 that all the ladies first wore a dress of a rusty red shade. Red has remained the signature colour with only slight changes of shade as stocks of material ran out. By 1992, the gents were sporting matching red bow ties.
Programmes & Posters
Another decision taken by the first committee was that Programmes should be: of good appearance; should list the pieces and composers; name the members of the choir and orchestra and any soloists; and include a short history. A choir logo was also produced with the first design appearing on all publicity, posters and programmes until it was replaced by a new design in 2010.
Another decision taken by the first committee was that Programmes should be: of good appearance; should list the pieces and composers; name the members of the choir and orchestra and any soloists; and include a short history. A choir logo was also produced with the first design appearing on all publicity, posters and programmes until it was replaced by a new design in 2010.
Yellow was the predominant colour up to 2004, when posters and programmes were first produced in colour. Designs over the years have included Christmas Waites, images of various Composers and Edinburgh skylines. The images have also appeared on the booklets accompanying cassettes and CDs of concert recordings that have been made for choir members. In 2000, the choir also produced one professionally recorded album of Christmas music, Jubilo at Christmas, and, in 2011, for the 30th Anniversary of the choir, a compilation album of live concert recordings of Christmas music was completed for choir members.
The Social Side
Jubilo has, from the earliest days, when many of the original members were already good friends, encouraged a strong, social ethos. From the tea and coffee break at every rehearsal to many musical weekends away, members, old and new, have enjoyed meeting and chatting together. Most recently, contact was established with a Welsh choir, the Brecon Singers, with hosting visits and joint concerts arranged, first in Edinburgh and then in Brecon.
Jubilo will always have a warm welcome for prospective members and will continue to make music for our audiences - and for ourselves.
Jubilo has, from the earliest days, when many of the original members were already good friends, encouraged a strong, social ethos. From the tea and coffee break at every rehearsal to many musical weekends away, members, old and new, have enjoyed meeting and chatting together. Most recently, contact was established with a Welsh choir, the Brecon Singers, with hosting visits and joint concerts arranged, first in Edinburgh and then in Brecon.
Jubilo will always have a warm welcome for prospective members and will continue to make music for our audiences - and for ourselves.
