Along with the Bach Passions, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, Messiah is arguably the greatest musical storytelling in existence, combining arias and choruses setting an inspired libretto from Biblical texts compiled by Charles Jennens. It quickly became a popular and accessible work, especially at Christmas and Easter, beloved of audiences and ideally suited to, and responsible for, the growing British amateur choral tradition unique to Handel’s adopted country.
In the late 1970s the Festival Choir’s founder and conductor Dr John Coope invited some friends to sing Messiah for fun, gathered round the piano played by the Choir’s current conductor Donald Judge. It was such a success it was opened the following year to the public. Around that time, Dr Jean Coope took up the ‘cello, and new-found string-playing friends were invited to form an orchestra that instrumentalists clamoured to join. Messiah for All quickly grew into a sell-out annual event, with all proceeds going to local good causes. Once again Choir members and friends will sing the solos, Nicola Bright will lead the orchestra of strings, trumpet, timpani and continuo.
The choir performs regularly at St Oswald’s where the pipe organ has enabled performances of works such as the Requiem by Duruflé and Dvořák’s Mass in D. But such instruments are expensive to maintain and the one at St Oswald’s is no exception. Choirs are also expensive to run, and most like BFC, are charities. Costs are constantly rising, and audiences are only just returning to pre Covid levels. The Choir is determined to bring the highest quality it can achieve and exciting concerts to Bollington, avoiding excessive rises to tickets and members’ subscriptions. This will be helped by a share of the proceeds tonight, which are maximised by all involved performing out of charity and love of the music.
With some cuts to a work running to more than 3 hours, that still allow the most celebrated choruses and arias to feature, the event will conclude 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.
The image of the Choir is by local artist Nola McGaul: of St Oswald’s from their website, cropped to fit the frame. The portrait of Handel (in the public domain) is by Thomas Hudson (1701-1779) from the Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge.
Tickets £10 – No reductions or concessions, as all proceeds go to charity. Booking is essential on 01625 511881 and tickets can be paid for by cash or card on arrival. Please note though, that the Arts Centre licensed bar is CASHLESS, and accepts standard cards and contactless payments.
