St George’s Community choir is excited to at last be performing Handel’s Messiah. Rehearsals were stopped twice because of Covid-19, but the performances are still able to commemorate the 150th year reunion of the formal opening of St George’s church in January, 1872.
Auckland Choral Society performed The Messiah in December, 1871, in the yet to be completed St George’s church, a beautiful Victorian building that is as significant today as it was in the gold rush days. This well established choir appreciates being able to rehearse and perform in the church, which is known for its wonderful acoustics. Handel composed this oratorio in 1741, and it has since become one of the best known and most frequently performed choral works, often performed at Christmas time.
All the soloists are professionals with extensive singing careers. Elisha Hulton, mezzo soprano from Rotorua, was a soloist in 2017 and is pleased to be performing with the choir again. Gina Sanders, soprano, from Auckland, and Iain Tetley, tenor, from Whanganui, have also sung with the choir in previous years. New to performing with St George’s Choir is baritone Samuel McKeever from Wellington. Michael Bell, who is well-known for his talented performances on the organ at St George’s, is accompanying the choir along with an orchestra of mainly local musicians. Dr Nichola Voice who performs under the name of Nichola Genn Harris is the Musical Director and Conductor.
With a choir of more than fifty singers, plus a sixteen piece orchestra, and an accomplished organist and professional soloists, these performances promise to be memorable occasions.
DETAILS: November 26 at 7pm and November 27 at 2pm. Tickets: $25 from Carson’s Bookshop. Primary School-age free. Door sales available.
St George’s Community Choir will perform Messiah. Photo: SUPPLIED
