Resounding Handel's Messiah from Marden Singers
Delwynne Windell, Hallelujah Chorus Encore
Dec 30, 2008
George Frederick Handel's The Messiah is a work on a grand scale. Its original language is English. Its text was compiled from the King James version of the Holy Bible by Charles Jennens, Handel's collaborator.
Even though the premiere performance was during the Lent season in April 1742; in Dublin, Ireland, Messiah is now usually sung during the Christmas season. Handel left no final version of this oratorio as he continously revised it. Today, amateur and professional choral societies strive to present this work as they think Handel would have wanted it.
The Marden Singers who are largely a group of amateur perfomers rehearsed, conducted and directed by Margot Dennis, have kept alive a yearly tradition of performances from this special work.
Hallelujah Chorus Encore
This rendition of an extensive selection of solos, recitals and choruses from Handel's Messiah which is varied from time to time has become a much anticipated annual event. Each year there is an injection of something new. Both performances in 2008 were well supported by appreciative and enthusiastic audiences, with a request for an encore of the Hallelujah Chorus at Nazareth chapel.
Guest Artist
South African tenor Delwynne Windell has performed the Messiah with the Marden Singers on many occassions since 1997. This year he did not disappoint with his expressive and accomplished performance.
Delwynne is a registered national recording artist with the South African Broadcasting Corporation and has sung numerous songs for Radio South Africa and Radio Suid-Afrika. He has received a Civic Citation from his former hometown of Ladysmith for his contributions to serious music and singing. He received the Joyce Barker Award for the most outstanding male vocalist in the Open Class. He also uses his many talents to raise funds for much needed community outreach projects. Delwynne is now based in Canada.
Soloists
The soloist put up splendid performances. The sopranos were Roz Ribeiro, Caro Colahan and Madeline Grace. Shirley Warrington sang alto, Nigel Hopkins tenor and Peter Hadingham sang bass.
Musicians and Choir
Talented pianist Carolyn Peto was the accompanist. Phil Goodwin (on cello) , Mike Peto (viola), Cabby Stirling (violin) and Corado Trinci (violin) made a stirring string quartet. This year's treat was the skilled and sensitive performance by Norwegian trumpeter Eyvind Helseth.
The choir, some of who have faithfully sang in Handel's Messiah for many years provided a full and energetic sound for the choruses.
The performances ended on a resounding note with both audiences and performers looking forward to the next time that Handel's Messiah is staged again.
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