Handel’s ‘Messiah’ with the South Circular Orchestra

The highlight of our season has been the two performances of Handel’s ‘Messiah’ with the South Circular Orchestra. Both concerts were met with a standing ovation from audiences who clearly appreciated the quality of this remarkable combination of choir, orchestra and exceptionally talented young soloists. This version of Handel’s work was in keeping with his original intentions, using a smaller vocal and instrumental grouping than we have become accustomed to in recent times. The musical world will certainly want to hear more from the soloists – Sara Whichelow (soprano), Claire Filer (mezzo-soprano), Guy Withers (tenor) and Chris Webb (bass) – who provided performances of the highest quality. The association between The Maidstone Singers and the South Circular Orchestra (SCOre), which was established last year with performances of Bach’s ‘Magnificat’, was happily renewed as the two enthusiastic musical groups maintained their exceptional standards.

‘Messiah’ is probably George Frideric Handel’s most famous composition. It is an English language oratorio and was first performed in Dublin in 1742. Although its structure resembles that of an opera it is not in dramatic form but concentrates on an extended reflection of Jesus Christ as Messiah. Its best known section is perhaps the famous ‘Hallelujah’ chorus. The walls of St Martin’s Church in Maidstone and St Mary’s Church in West Malling reverberated with the power of the performances.

Many thanks to our Music Director, Jeffrey Vaughan Martin, and to our friends at SCOre and their Director Ian Chown www.southcircularorchestra.co.uk

Michael Marriott