The Society was founded in Peterhouse in 1843 for the study and performance of choral, orchestral and chamber music by members of the University. It initially comprised a skeletal orchestra and a chorus of men's voices, supported by lay clerks and choir boys. Society regeneration and expansion was the achievement of Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924) who became conductor in 1873. He raised the standards of performance, organised joint oratorio performances with city music societies and regularly invited internationally reknowned composers to be guest conductors. Largely at his encouragement, women were admitted, first as Ladies Associate members from 1872. In the early decades of the 20th century, dramatic productions were a feature of CUMS performances. Also from this period dates the tradition of performing new and unusual works to national critical acclaim. A second or junior orchestra, CUMS II, was given formal recognition in 1953 and a Wind orchestra founded in 1987. The Society performed in the Guildhall until the 1960s when it moved to the Music School on West Road. The following have been conductors: Charles Villiers Stanford, 1873-93; Cyril Rootham, 1912-36; Boris Ord, 1937-41, 1945-54; David Willcocks, 1958-73, Philip Ledger, 1973-83; Stephen Cleobury, 1983- . The 150th anniversary souvenir booklet includes a detailed history of the Society 1843-1993 (see SOC.XV.12.27).