School set to host Handel celebration

THE 275th anniversary of the first performance of Handel’s famous Messiah is set to be held at Cheadle Hulme School.

The school is inviting the community to join students, parents and Old Waconians (former students) to sing with a full professional orchestra to mark the occasion, on Saturday, March 4.

The school will open the doors to Holden Hall between 10am and 7pm for a ‘Bring and Sing’ – a full musical workshop with a performance at 6pm – and singers of all levels are welcome to take part.

The day will involve rehearsals of selected highlights from the revered choral work and practice of individual sections, plus work on technique and sound production.

It will feature a combination of visiting music teachers and students and the orchestra will be led by strings coordinator Rebecca Whettam, and keyboard player Catherine Hall-Smith.

Old Waconians Catherine Rawling and Elizabeth Scott will sing a small selection of the arias for soprano and alto.

The ultimate oratorio with its famous ‘Hallelujah’ chorus, Handel’s Messiah is a firm favourite for many.

CHS’s choral leader and conductor for the event, Mark McCombs, said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity and not often does the chance come up to sing with so many talented musicians.

“Whether you fancy joining in or simply coming along for a listen, I’m sure it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Participants can hire a score on the day for £1 or are invited to bring and sing their own (WatkinsShaw edition, the new orange Novello score).

Refreshments will be available in the afternoon, before a public performance at 6pm.

Tickets are free of charge for under 18s and £5 for adults from trybooking.co.uk/BJN.