The Covid pandemic has had repercussions far and wide. For 40 years St Cuthbert's Church has been the venue for Carlisle Music Society concerts, but this autumn our committee decided unanimously in favour of a move to the Fratry Hall at Carlisle Cathedral.
We were very happy at St Cuthbert's and were always made to feel welcome there but in recent times, for various reasons and particularly in light of Covid restrictions, we began to consider other possible venues. It seemed serendipitous that at last the newly refurbished Fratry Hall was open for bookings. We believe that this historic building which offers excellent facilities, comfort and accessibility, will be a fitting home for the Society. In a sense the move represents a return home as most of our concerts between 1969 and 1979 were held in the Fratry Hall. Our piano is now installed there on the dais, ready for our next concert.
We are longing for the time when we can once again enjoy live music in the company of others, and are very excited at the prospect of welcoming audiences and musicians to the Fratry Hall at the start of a new era for the Society.
Permission was granted by the Cathedral for this photograph of the Fratry Hall interior. It was taken before the Society's piano was moved there. More information about the Fratry project, including a video, is available here.