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Cowling Bar Chapel - October Festivals
In 1921 Cowling Bar Chapel came up with the idea of inviting BBC, and internationally acclaimed singers to perform recitals annually during a weekend in October, and so the October festivals were born. World famous singers from London and the BBC, such singers as Norman Allin (Bass, London of the British National Opera Co.), Isobel Baillie (Soprano, of Manchester and of Albert Hall and Queen's Hall Concerts.), Walter Widdop (Tenor), Muriel Brunskill (Contralto, London), and Frank Titterton (Tenor, London). People came on Saturday nights, but the main occasion was Sunday, and Sunday evening, two main events each time packed to capacity with over 900 people twice on the day. This was a major highlight of culture in the village, people coming from many miles throughout the region to attend this main event, such was their love of classical music, and good singing.
One favorite story tells of Isobel Baillie (pictured left), a Soprano singer of International fame singing one particular song, and she was so taken on with Jim Forte's accompanying skills that when the applause subsided she ran round the Steinway Grand Piano and kissed and hugged an embarrassed Jim. Nevertheless a tribute from a famous person to a man more or less unknown in the country.
Detailed below are copies taken from original programs of these legendary October festival events.
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Cowling
had one enormous attribute for these festivals a wonderful Organist by the
name of James E. Forte A.T.C.L. Jim had the ability to be able to make a
piano talk, and an organ sing. Famous names from London, admired him for his
accompanying skills, and Jim's anticipation became legendary. These famous
names came to sing at Cowling Bar Chapel for this one main reason.
