Autumn concert
Handel's Messiah needs little introduction, being one of his most well known and well loved choral works. Numerous performances and 'Come and Sing' opportunities have made this a particular favourite with choirs and audiences alike. Handel composed 'Messiah' in 1741 based on the libretto by Charles Jennens, who edited Shakespeare's plays. This performance gave the audience a chance to hear this marvellous work again, or perhaps to hear it for the first time, performed by the Royal Free Singers, with a professional orchestra and soloists: Bruce Russell, Alexander L'Estrange, Nick Pritchard and Jenny Stafford.
Ben Gunner, our conductor, was delighted by the choir's performance:
It was great last night – you upped everything and you must and should feel very pleased with yourselves. Members of the orchestra and soloists commented what an excellent sound you produced and what an exciting and rhythmic performance It was. Other remarks to me from both the choir and audience alike included such words as 'fantastic night', 'excellent Messiah', 'terrific Messiah', 'very exhilarating' and I too thought you were positively fizzing. So, very well done. You brought so much pleasure to so many people last night, not least me.
