This well-known choral work is usually performed near Christmas, but due to difficulties at the time it was repeated this spring.
It is best known for the Hallelujah Chorus, but there are many other lovely melodies. While staying within eighteenth century musical conventions, Handel manages to be powerful and eloquent.
Soloists Kirsty McLean, a soprano with a lovely voice, Elspeth Morrow, an expressive mezzo soprano, powerful tenor Adam Magee, and Simon Grange with his rich bass, helped bring out the meaning of the work. Handel also wrote wonderful trumpet parts, to which local trumpeter Julie Ryan did justice. A triumph for the orchestra and choral society.