History of CAOS
Manchester Universities' Choir and Orchestra Society (CAOS) is a social music society established in September 1988. It exists to provide musicians with a space to come together and perform fantastic music to a reasonable standard for the benefit of themselves and the community at large.
Key Moments
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2024/25
We solemnly said goodbye to our logo of more than two decades, bringing a refresh to CAOS without losing all the tradition and lore of CAOS.
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2022
Victoria Dandy made history as the first Manchester Metropolitan University student to be elected as CAOS Chair, marking a significant milestone in the society's commitment to equal representation across both universities.
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2020
CAOS residential reached a peak of around 60 attendees, requiring coach transport to the Lake District.
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2018-2019
Major Constitutional changes to strengthen the MMU-UoM partnership, leading to significant growth in MMU membership.
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2018
CAOS celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special concert at Holy Innocents in Fallowfield, featuring members from across a decade of CAOS history. The society also moved rehearsals to St. Chrysostom's church.
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2014-2015
Society transformation period with increased focus on social activities and inclusion. New committee roles were created including MMU Rep, New Members Rep, and Inclusions Officer.
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2013
CAOS relocated rehearsals to Hulme Hall after a brief period at the university C of E chaplaincy.
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2010
The first CAOS residential was organized by Social Secretary Sahar Fathipour, with a performance at the Ucheldre arts centre in Holyhead.
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2009
The first formal CAOS Constitution was adopted, written primarily by clarinettist Gareth Luby.
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2008
CAOS moved to the Burlington building ("the Burli") near the university library. The spring concert marked CAOS's 20th anniversary, featuring Vaughan Williams' Folksong Suite, whose third movement became known as the CAOS Anthem.
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2007
One of CAOS's most ambitious concerts took place at Manchester Cathedral, performing the complete Finale Act 2 from Verdi's Aïda, combining orchestra, choir and brass band.
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2005
CAOS moved rehearsals to the Limes in Fallowfield.
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2004
CAOS began performing at city centre venues, with a sellout concert at St. Anne's church, followed by performances at Manchester Cathedral in subsequent years.
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2003
CAOS rehearsed at the Renold Building in UMIST, with Nick Castell conducting the choir and Susan Harris conducting the orchestra.
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1988
CAOS was established in September 1988.
Historical Venues
CAOS has performed in many venues across Manchester and beyond, including:
- Manchester Cathedral (2005-2012)
- St. Ann's Church
- Holy Innocents, Fallowfield
- St. Paul's Church, Withington
- St. Chrysostom's Church
- Ucheldre Arts Centre, Holyhead (2010 Residential)
- Much Wenlock, Shropshire (2011 Residential)
- Whitworth Hall (special events)
Historical rehearsal venues include:
- Renold Building, UMIST (pre-2005)
- The Limes Building, Fallowfield (2005-2008)
- Burlington Building "The Burli" (2008-2013)
- University C of E Chaplaincy (2013)
- Hulme Hall (2013-2018)
- St. Chrysostom's Church (2018 onwards)
CAOS Traditions
Welcome Week
Historically, CAOS hosted quiz nights during Welcome Week to introduce new members, followed by social games during the first rehearsal between Choir and Orchestra slots. The society would organize pizza socials and "Meet & Eat" events to help new members feel welcome.
The CAOS Anthem
The third movement of Ralph Vaughan Williams' English Folk Song Suite ("Folk Songs from Somerset") became known as the CAOS anthem, played at every residential since the early days.
Social Events
- Annual Blackpool trips to see the Pleasure Beach and illuminations
- Christmas market visits and ice skating
- Bowling, karaoke nights, and pub quizzes
- Film screenings and games nights
- Brewery tours and ale trails
- "Amazing Race" photo challenges around Manchester
- Carol singing at Christmas markets and charitable events
Concert Traditions
CAOS concerts traditionally feature refreshments including wine and biscuits for audience members. Post-concert celebrations were a crucial part of CAOS culture. Popular aftershow venues included Font in Fallowfield, Solomon Grundys, Red Lion, and various venues near the university campus.
Residential Weekends
Since 2010, CAOS has organized annual residential weekends featuring intensive rehearsals, social activities, and concerts in local venues. Popular locations have included Holyhead, Much Wenlock, Buxton, Hull, and the Yorkshire Dales. These weekends typically include shared meals, games like "assassin", and culminate in a Sunday afternoon concert.
Help Us Preserve Our History
If you have any historical information, photos, or memories to share, please let us know!
Check out our Gallery for pictures and audio from across the ages.