Although I have conducted the performance of Handel’s “Messiah” a number of times since my first occasion in December 2000, I always want to approach the work afresh.
This year we performed the orchestral version edited by Ebenezer Prout, which combines Handel’s original work with additional material by Mozart and others.
We were treated to superb singing from our four soloists on this occasion, all being current or former students of the Royal Northern College of Music.
The Todmorden orchestra led by Andrew Rostron is, to me, performing now at a consistently high level and was on form this evening.
However, I was particularly pleased with the performance of the Choral Society. I was especially keen that the choir should “tell the story” and communicate the text set by Handel.
I was delighted by the result and the whole idea of engagement with the audience shone through.
Speaking to people afterwards, many have commented it was “the best yet” and I’m certainly happy to hear that.
We seem to be in fine fettle as we look towards 2014.