“Picture by Walter H Keyte, Elgar Avenue Surbiton, (phone) Elmbridge 3111”

We believe that this is a picture of the Kingston Orpheus taken at the concert venue in Denmark Road. It was possibly the ‘Coronation Baths’ which we understand had a number of purposes, but no longer exists (demolished in 1984). One of the pools was covered over in winter and dances and concerts were held in the building.

The Kingston Orpheus was formed by George Anderson in 1944. It is recorded that in 1950 he was in charge of foreign sales and publicity for Hawker Aircraft Co. Ltd. He retired from Hawkers in 1972.

The Surrey Comet described George as “Mr Orpheus” and that as he approached his 75th birthday he thought it time to retire. The report said that the choir was set up in 1944 after Mr Anderson found there was very little serious music to be found in London, let alone in Kingston. The Orpheus’s first concert was held in St Paul’s church on Kingston Hill. 

With thanks to Mr Basil Whiffin for providing this cutting from the Surrey Comet 27.6.81

On the occasion of George Anderson’s retirement after 37 years as musical director on 2nd May 1981, Princess Alexandra attended his farewell concert. Left to right, George Anderson, Princess Alexandra, Mayor of Kingston JW Wrigglesworth

25 glorious years as Musical Director of the choir from 1982 to 2007. 

Our next Musical Director was Ben Palmer who was with the choir for several years until our current Musical Director, David Condry.

(image from Ben's current website)

The choir celebrated its eightieth anniversary in 2024.