Over 150 people headed to St Andrew’s Church in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday evening (April 26th) to watch Burnham and Highbridge Choral Society give a superb performance of Handel’s Messiah.
Peter Read, the society’s Chairman, says it was a “truly splendid evening, acknowledged by an enthusiastic audience” with loud applause at the end.
He says: “Supported by an excellent orchestral ensemble of strings, trumpets, keyboard and timpani (with the trumpeters up in the balcony), the performance began with a wonderful overture (“Sinfonia”), rapidly followed by the resounding tenor voice of Matthew Minter singing “Comfort Ye”.”
“There followed many beautiful solos and duets performed by Soprano – Siona Stockel, Alto – Stephen Harvey, and Bass – Christopher Sheldrake. All these wonderful soloists are from Wells and have performed all over the world.”
“The choir was on magnificent form, delivering their fourteen choruses with much panache and feeling, led by their very talented Musical Director James Davies.”
The audience was moved to stand for the “Hallelujah Chorus”, and the performance culminated in a truly resounding rendition of “Worthy is the Lamb” followed by “Amen”, with both the choir and orchestra in full swing.
The choir next meet for an informal six-week ‘Summer Sing’ on Thursday 8th May at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church Hall, going through some popular music such as Fields of Gold, Scarborough Fair and I’m Still Standing, and then meet again on 4th September to prepare for their Christmas Concert on 11th December.
Peter adds: “All are welcome to join the happy group of singers. More information can be found on the choir’s website.”
