Shrewsbury Choral Society Appoints New Conductor – to lead performance of Handel’s Messiah
Handel’s Messiah will be presented by Shrewsbury Choral Society in the beautiful ambience of St. Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury on Saturday 24th March at 7.30pm.
The concert will be performed by the Shrewsbury Choral Society and Orchestra, and they will be conducted by the Society’s newly appointed conductor, Alistair Auld. The 120-strong members of the Choir will also be joined by distinguished soloists who are all singing in Shrewsbury for the first time: Kathryn Jenkin (soprano) from Covent Garden; Sioned Ellis, an experienced mezzo soprano; Clifford Lister (tenor) from Canterbury Cathedral and Colin Campbell (bass) from Westminster Cathedral
Thelma Foster, Chairman of the Society said: “We are all delighted to welcome Alistair Auld to lead us in what promises to be yet another era of singing excellence, and we are really looking forward to our first major work under his distinguished and enthusiastic leadership”.
Conductor and Musical Director, Alistair Auld said: “I am delighted to be the new conductor of the Shrewsbury Choral Society, which enjoys a strong tradition of fine singing and is at the very heart of the rich cultural heritage of this historic market town. Rehearsals have begun in earnest for the concert, which promises to be an uplifting occasion, and I shall be working with the choir to create a vibrant, clear-cut and passionate performance of ‘Messiah’ which I believe to be faithful to Handel’s original intentions.
Handel’s Messiah, first performed more than 260 years ago, is undoubtedly one of the great musical masterpieces of all time. Composed in only 24 days, it is the work of a genius which holds an extraordinary place both among the composer’s works and in the history of music. No other work of its time has seen a continuous sequence of performances from 1742 to the present day.
Part of the enduring appeal of Messiah is not least the huge part played by the chorus, with wonderful high-points like ‘For unto us a Child is born’, ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slain’, all of which engage us in a great narrative, which weaves seamlessly through the work, revealing the bible’s foretelling of Christ’s coming, his birth, life and, ultimately, his death. It’s a story which continues to enthrall us, especially when enhanced by Handel’s evocative and inspirational music”.
Tickets (£12 full price, £10 Concessions; £5 students and children) may be purchased in advance from the ticket secretary, contact 01743 443146, online or from Shrewsbury Choral Society members; Simon Baynes Books and Music, 9 Milk Street, Shrewsbury; from 01743 443146 or on the door on the night. Information is available from (01743) 4431146 or via website.
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