I must make a confession at the start of this review: whilst a lover of classical music, I am by no means an expert, and I neither play nor sing. However, I will offer my thoughts on what was my first time of listening to 'The Messiah' in its entirety, although I have, of course, heard many versions of 'The Hallelujah Chorus' over the years. The key question is, did this performance disappoint? No, it did not. The music transported me from the Parish Church, and I was as impressed, as ever, by the enthusiasm of the choir, by their engagement with the music and their usual strong collaboration with their soloists and accompanying musicians. The result, a rounded and blended performance, melding smoothly together the various phases of the Oratorio.
I noted, for the first time, the inclusivity of the choir, with members who have devoted up to fifty years to choral music. A few more tenors and bass voices would not go amiss, but I think that is true of so many choral societies these days.The choir was ably directed, as always, by Dr David Cane. Having watched him at the 2024 Christmas Concert, he did not disappoint, conducting with his usual flair, and demonstrating once again, the trust which has grown between himself and the choir: they look to him, and he can be confident they will respond in just the manner needed. 

It struck me as no mean feat, to bring together, nearly one hundred choral voices;one accompanist (Duncan Robertson, demonstrating his usual sensitivity); one trumpeter (Paul Thomas, we craned to see him during the triumphant 'The Trumpet Shall Sound'); one organist (Gary Hulme, filling the church with the stirring sound of the organ); four members of 'The Cosmo String Quartet' (it was so refreshing to see and hear four young people, perfectly attuned to the music and each other); last, but not least, the four soloists: Juliet Montgomery-Edwards, Imogen Garner, Chris Warrington and Aidan Montgomery-Edwards, who all blended beautifully, and complemented the performance of the choir. As the possessor of a deeper voice myself, I particularly enjoyed the singing of Imogen Garner, the mezzo-soprano, but after a most enjoyable evening, it feels churlish to highlight any one contribution.

Suffice to say, this was a performance which brought many voices, and much great music, together, to create one very satisfying whole. I look forward ,with pleasure, to the Christmas Concert, and I have no doubt that it too will be a most wonderful occasion.

Review by Alison Watkinson