Handel’s ‘Messiah’ with the South Circular Orchestra June 2015
After last year’s acclaimed performance of Bach’s ‘Magnificat’, The Maidstone Singers are delighted to be performing with the superb South Circular Orchestra again this year in Handel’s masterpiece, ‘Messiah’. Fulfilling a long held ambition for Music Director Jeffrey Vaughan Martin, the work will be presented in its original form. Concerts will take place at St. Martin’s Church in Northumberland Road, Maidstone on Saturday 20th June 2015 and at St. Mary’s Church in West Malling on Sunday 28th June 2015. For details see below:
The South Circular Orchestra was formed in the Summer of 2010 as a new chamber orchestra of between 10 and 25 players, to concentrate, initially at least, on Eighteenth Century music. The orchestra has between 8 and 20 string players – violins, violas, cellos and double basses – with a smaller group of wind players – oboes, french horns and bassoon. Basso continuo is provided by a harpsichord or chamber organ. Other instruments such as flutes, clarinets, trumpets and timpani are included when called for. SCOre plays without a conductor, in accordance with Eighteenth Century practice. The ensemble is led by the lead violin, with assistance from the harpsichord continuo. In the true spirit of a ‘chamber orchestra’, all players are encouraged to contribute to musical interpretation and drive. Players are generally ‘good amateurs’ chosen by invitation. Most live in south London, united geographically by the South Circular! The mix is enriched by some semi-professional players and instrumental music teachers. For further details visit their website: http://www.southcircularorchestra.co.uk