Location: St.Augustine's Church
Messiah Concert
Click to hear audio
On Saturday April 15th the village saw a new activity in St.Augustine's Church, a ‘Come and Sing’ production of Handel’s Messiah, conducted by Anthony Gracie.
Nearly 100 enthusiastic singers turned up for the afternoon rehearsal, some from Hendred, many others from local towns (including members of several local choral societies) and a few from further afield. For some, it was their first experience of choral singing, whereas others could sing the Messiah almost by heart.
During the afternoon, Tony took the choir through eleven of the more popular choruses from the work, interspersed with solo passages. The soloists, who volunteered their services in order to make the event financially viable, were Anne Churchill, Mary Harrison, Vanessa Woodward, Andrew Stone, Dave Nunn and Barrie Thompson. The organist, who struggled manfully with the organ which was misbehaving, despite having recently been refurbished, was Terence Carter.
After a delicious supper provided for the participants at Snells Hall, we returned to the church and gave a spirited performance.
A set of CDs are available.