Elisabeth Hedges and St. Matthew’s Choir Invite you to Come and Sing
Handel’s Messiah The work: G.F. Handel’s Messiah needs little to no introduction. The oratorio, first performed in Dublin in 1742, has been sung by choirs and choral societies, big and small, continuously since 1745. Although the work is now associated with the Christmas period, its first performance date (13th April), and textual focus confirm it was initially conceived as an Easter oratorio. The sheer scope of The Messiah, a full performance lasting over two and a half hours, makes it close to un-performable in full. As the workshop is taking place shortly after Easter, the organisers have decided to focus on the Second and Third parts of the oratorio. The cause: Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the UK’s largest charities, providing specialist healthcare, information, and support to people affected by cancer. The charity was founded in 1911 by Douglas Macmillan, following the death of his father from the disease. This fundraising come and sing is co-organised by St. Matthew’s Choir and Elisabeth Hedges, herself a cancer survivor, as a way of saying thank you to Macmillan for the support and encouragement they offer. We also hope to raise funds for the charity and, most importantly, to raise awareness of the work Macmillan do. The Hosts: St. Matthew’s is a thriving suburban parish in Chapel Allerton, boasting one of the finest acoustics in North Leeds. St Matthew’s Choir are no strangers to organising come and sing events, both large and small, offering enthusiastic amateurs the opportunity to sing under the inspirational leadership of their Director of Music, Aljoša Škorja. On this occasion they will be joined by St. Matthew’s Orchestra and soloists. Conductor: Aljoša Škorja is a Slovene musicologist and conductor. After graduating from musicology in Ljubljana he continued his studies in conducting at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. He has conducted orchestras in the UK and Slovenia, working with Manchester Camerata, London Classical Soloists, the RTV Slovenia Orchestra and the Slovene Philharmonic. Hopefully, the fact-sheet below should provide further information on the event however, if you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to be in touch. Venue: St. Matthew’s Parish Church, Chapel Allerton, Leeds. Just off Wood Lane, LS7 3QF. Plenty of on- and off-street parking. Easily reachable by public transport (2, 3, 3A, 48; 7A, 7S). Cost: £15, £10 (students only), to be paid on the day by cash. The suggested audience donation for the concert on Sunday is £10, £8 (con.).
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