Some people comment that for them the Festival Choir’s ‘Messiah for All’ shows that the Festive Season has finally arrived. Of course, it would arrive a bit earlier in 2022 if they come to the Choir’s Advent Concert on November 27th!
Starting in the 1970s with a few friends John Coope recruited to sing Handel’s Messiah round the piano, Messiah for All quickly grew into a sell-out annual event, with an orchestra, and all proceeds going to a local charity, which have included the Arts Centre and the Bollington Festival. One year, it was performed in St Oswald’s Church to help their Organ Restoration. In 2020 it couldn’t happen at all, but in 2021 social distancing meant a shortened version was held at the church in aid of East Cheshire Eye Society. It was a lovely occasion, but sadly the guest soprano Kerry Firth had to withdraw at short notice. The Choir is delighted that Kerry will be back this year, singing for the same good cause. We’re delighted that Nicola Bright will lead the orchestra, enhanced by trumpet and continuo. The same guests will feature in the Choir’s Easter Concert, which will include some of the most triumphant moments from Messiah.
Two things in particular distinguish Bollington’s Messiah for All. One is that there are no rehearsals. Everyone relies on their previous knowledge of this glorious music, though newcomers are always welcome. The other is that no one is ever paid to perform, maximising the contribution to charity and the community. Sometimes, professional performers like Kerry and some of the 2021 orchestra led by Rosy Williams, generously donate their services. But usually, soloists are accomplished amateurs, members of the Choir and friends. The regular continuo player is Andy Donaldson, after he was invited to take part when the chosen charity was the Martyn Donaldson Trust that helps support promising young local musicians. Icing on the cake is the exhilarating high trumpet playing which has been in the capable hands of Paul Dawes, Alan Holder and John Bush. To give everyone a chance to get their breath back and re-tune, conductor Donald Judge endeavours to find different brief “snippets” to illuminate the work. These were poignant in 2021, given that Handel became blind in later life, and that deadly “plagues” of various sorts were then much more common. The snippets in 2022 will develop this theme to reference some notable musicians who overcame blindness. With some cuts, it’s hoped a masterpiece that can take over 3 hours to perform will finish around 10 pm, with a break for refreshments part way through.
Many singers bring their own score, preferably the Watkins Shaw edition published by Novello. But the Choir has a limited number of copies to borrow on the night – please request one when booking.
No reductions or concessions, as all proceeds go to charity. Booking is essential on 01625 511881 and tickets must be paid for in CASH ONLY on arrival. Please note though, that the Arts Centre bar is CASHLESS, and accepts standard cards and contactless payments.
The image is from a contemporary portrait of Handel by Balthasar Denner.
