Michael Galsworthy has been President of Truro Choral Society since 2004. He is the owner of Trewithen Estate. Its woodland garden is internationally renowned for its magnificent collection of rare and highly prized plants, including 22 champion trees. Central to the garden is Trewithen House, a “flawless time capsule” of 300 years of family history.
His presence in, and contribution to, the county of Cornwall has been enormous. From 1983 to 2000 he served as a member of the Prince of Wales’ Council, overseeing the management of the Duchy and the Prince’s own personal affairs. He was Vice Lord Lieutenant from 2002 to 2014.
He was also High Sheriff of Cornwall 1994 - 1995, chairman of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust 1991 - 1993, and Rural Development Commissioner for England 1987 - 1992. Mr Galsworthy is Chairman of IPE (public/private sector partnership). and in 2012, he became the President of The Cornwall Garden Society, which was founded in 1832.
A message from our President:
“As the President of Truro Choral Society since 2004, it gives me much pleasure to welcome you here to the hub of this fine choir, which celebrated its Golden Jubilee year in 2012. The great Cornishman Dr A L Rowse once said to me that, ‘There is a song in the heart of every Cornishman’. I feel that Truro Choral Society is a manifestation of this and believe that Truro – and Cornwall – is fortunate to have such a wonderful music-making asset.
It has been a privilege for me to have hosted two open-air concerts given by Truro Choral Society and Orchestra in the gardens at Trewithen. The venue was perfect, with the house acting as a soundboard for the music. The first concert – including music by Handel, Mozart, Bach and Vivaldi, in keeping with the 18th-century house – took place in June 2006. There was such an exciting buzz and sense of team spirit that even the light rain, which began during the rousing singing of the Hallelujah Chorus, failed to dampen the atmosphere in any way, and the morning rehearsal was like having one’s own private performance. Haydn’s Creation was the second open-air performance at Trewithen, in June 2009 – this time in glorious sunshine.
Over the years I have enjoyed a number of memorable performances by the Society and am delighted that it is raising its profile to become more involved in the community and local charities. May the choir continue to delight audiences with its music-making as it embarks on its next 50 years.”
Michael Galsworthy CVO CBE DL
