Leominster Choral Society (1986)

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Leominster Choral Society (1986)
Performer Leominster Choral Society
Venue The Priory Church
Date(s) Sunday 22nd June 1986
Time 7.00pm
Cost £3.00 (OAP/Children £2.00)

LEOMINSTER CHORAL SOCIETY

Presidents: Marion Bentley Taylor, Rev. Peter Nourse

THE MESSIAH

by G. F. Handel

  • Kym Cooper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Soprano
  • Joan Longmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Contralto
  • Philip Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tenor
  • John Hawker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bass
  • Pamela Longden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Harpsichord
  • Paul Derett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Organist

Leominster Festival Orchestra

Leader: Paul Bramwell, Conductor: Vernon Thurgood

George Frederick Handel (1685 - 1759)

Handel was born in Halle, Saxony, in the same year as the composer J. S. Bach. His father did his best to prevent the young Handel from learning anything about music, for he wanted him to become a lawyer. However, his musical ability showed itself very early and by the age of eleven, Handel could play the organ, harpsichord, violin and oboe, and he had begun to compose music.

He worked in Hamburg and visited Italy in 1706. In 1710 Handel became director of music to George Louis, Elector of Hanover.

Handel happened to be in England when the Elector became King of England in 1714. The King wasn’t very pleased with Handel for staying away from Hanover, but the composer was received back in favour when his “Water Music” was performed on a barge following the royal barge on the Thames.

Handel made England his home - becoming a British Subject in 1726. In his latter years, however, he became blind and had to dictate the music he was composing to an old pupil.

He died at the age of 74 and is buried in Westminster Abbey.

“MESSIAH”

Most people when they hear the name of Handel think immediately of his oratorio “Messiah”. Since this great choral work, the original version of which was composed in the incredibly short space of only three weeks, was first heard in Dublin in 1742, it has probably been performed in Britain more often than any other composition ever written.

Some of the arias from the oratorio, like “I know that my Redeemer liveth”, and choruses like the mighty “Hallelujah” chorus (during the singing of which the audience or congregation invariably stands up as though for the National Anthem) are among the most familiar items in the world’s musical heritage. Of the “Hallelujah” chorus, Handel himself declared: “I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself”.

Kym Cooper - Soprano

Kym first sang with Leominster Choral Society in "Elijah" and is back again by popular request. She is now a part-time student at the Birmingham School of Music and has won several major prizes there. She appears this evening by kind permission of the Head of Birmingham School of Music.

Joan Longmore - Contralto

It was last October when Joan last sang Contralto with us in Bach's "Mass in B Minor." We're delighted to have her sing with us again.

Philip Russell - Tenor

This is Philip's debut with the Leominster Choral Society. Philip's home is in Sutton Coldfietd. We hope this will be the start of a happy association with the Choral Society.

John Hawker - Bass

John first sang the "Messiah" with us about seventeen years ago and was, of course, the bass soloist in Bach's "Mass in B Minor" in the joint concert with Bromyard Choral Society in October 1985 - a most successful concert, A Schoolteacher by Day, John sings in the choir at the Bullring Church n Birmingham.

Pamela Longden - Harpsichord

Pamela came to live in Hereford just over three years ago, moving from Sheffield where she studied for a Music degree at the University. Here she made a special study of continuo playing, and has played harpsichord continuo for most of the major Baroque works. Her harpsichord is a single manual of the Flemish style with a reverse keyboard. It has 8 foot and 4 foot lute stops.

Paul Derrett - Organist

Paul hails from Shrewsbury and is well respected in musical circles for his virtuoso performances. He reputedly holds the record for giving the longest organ recital known . . . but not tonight.