What a cogent quotation from Handel's "Messiah", performed this evening in the church of St Corneille in Puycelsi by what was described as a "scratch choir", a quartet of professional singers and organist Nicholas O'Neill. Whilst sadly Handel's oratorio provides no solution to the conundrum (at least to 21st century ears) the performance up-lifted an appreciative audience.
These concerts, and this was the tenth anniversary, are organised by the indefatigable Ross and Ginny Jenkins to raise funds for the restoration of the impressive church and never fail to attain an amazing standard under the direction of Mark Opstad. The choir practise their parts at home or in small groups and then meet the day before the concert for rehearsals. Their togetherness is testimony to their dedication and Mark's demanding direction.
On a hot summer evening the traditionally Christmas oratorio was a real treat with moving performances of the major solo arias (and this listener particularly liked bass Bruno Vincente's rendition of the above mentioned aria). The audience also loved the alto (counter-tenor) voice of Marc Pontus, but it is invidious to single out any one singer, let alone forget Nicholas O'Neill's sympathetic accompaniment.
If you like choral music (or even if you don't know it) these twice yearly concerts are always a real treat - so don't miss next season.
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