This year’s annual performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Ristretto Chamber Choir and Orchestra once again proved why it has become one of the most cherished musical traditions in the Principality. On Saturday, 29 November, St Paul’s Anglican Church was filled to capacity as music lovers gathered for what has long been an essential date in Monaco’s Advent calendar.
First performed in 1742, Handel’s Messiah (HWV 56) remains a towering work of spiritual and musical brilliance. Its familiar arias, dramatic recitatives and glorious choruses still resonate deeply, more than 250 years after the composer’s death. This enduring emotional power was on full display as Errol Girdlestone led the full Ristretto Chamber Choir and Orchestra in a breath-taking performance.
The quartet of soloists brought sensitivity and character to their roles. Our own Felicity Murphy, member of the St Paul’s community and a frequent singer on Sundays, offered radiant clarity in her soprano arias such as “Rejoice greatly,” her voice dancing effortlessly through Handel’s intricate lines. We welcomed for the first time a young student from Trinity Laban Conservatoire, London, Imogen Woodhead, to sing the alto solos. Imogen sang with impressive warmth and poise. Both tenor Gavan Ring and bass Simon Bailey have sung now for us in the ‘Monaco’ Messiah several times but never fail to produce amazing and moving performances.
Errol’s Ristretto Chamber Choir was superb—precise, expressive and vibrant. Many of the choruses sparkled with energy, and the beloved “Hallelujah” chorus rose magnificently, filling St Paul’s with sound and elation. The accompanying orchestra played with elegance and assurance, supporting the vocal lines with sensitivity and rhythmic vitality.
Under Errol’s confident direction, the performance achieved both intimacy and grandeur, reminding us why the Messiah continues to inspire year after year. Ristretto has now presented this monumental work at St Paul’s for over a decade, and each time they bring renewed freshness and conviction. Huge thanks must go to all concerned, and in particular to the anonymous music lover who has so generously provided funding for the Concert this year.
Once again, this cherished tradition offered a moving and uplifting beginning to the Advent season.
