Our thanks to Gideon Levingston for this report:
Saturday 23rd November saw a most riveting full house performance of the Messiah at St Paul’s. The uncut version being masterfully put together by the orchestral and choir director Errol Girdlestone.
The orchestra was drawn from the ranks of the Monte Carlo Opera Orchestra who are full-time professionals of the highest calibre, including some of the most highly rated in their field.
Maestro Girdlestone drew from his immense experience in Opera to bring together vocal soloists of astonishing ability; Elenor Bowers-Jolley (soprano), Clint van der Linde (countertenor), Andrew Gavin (tenor) and Thomas Dear (bass), as well as rehearsing his amateur choir ‘Ristretto’ to a very high level of musical competence. Together they produced astonishment in both the audience and the professional orchestra alike.
The audience rose as one for the standing ovation which had the musicians and choir repeat the Halleluja chorus with breathtaking verve. This musical event gets better year on year and 2025 will see its tenth performance at St Paul’s, book now to avoid disappointment!
First performed in 1742, the Messiah (HWV 56) is an oratorio for choir, soloists and orchestra that remains one of the greatest musical masterpieces of all times.
