1988, Handel's The Messiah (with audio files)

The first task for the year was preparation for three performances of Messiah in late March, at Greensborough Baptist, St. Francis Xavier in Montmorency, and St. George's, East Ivanhoe. It was proposed to augment the choir with numbers of local church choirs to make a special effort for the Bicentennial year. Ian Lowe would again conduct the Eltham Community Orchestra. With an average attendance at rehearsals of 45 - 50, and a large number of competent soloists, the performances promised to be something special.

Of course there is always a comedian in every group, in this case the bass who, while rehearsing All we like sheep, suggested the tenors had come in a "baa" too early. Nancy enhanced her reputation as a wit by suggesting that for her solo she should take care what she ate beforehand as one particular rehearsal demonstrated that she had plenty of wind, but no breath! After eisteddfod successes in her youth, Nancy went to London to study singing, eventually auditioning for Covent Garden. On her return to Australia she started a family and sang for many years with Mavis in the Tudor Choristers.

The three performances drew large audiences, and both choir and orchestra rose to the occasion. The usual practice of sharing the solos around was followed, and as well as the old faithfuls, Robyn Ford (no relation to Graham or Mavis), Penny Rendell, Dianne Richter, John Tacey, Allan Luke, Paul Clements and Neil Tupper had the opportunity to show their talent. The performance at St. George's was outstanding, partly because of the magnificence of the church itself.

These history notes have been kindly provided by our long-term artistic director and co-founder, Graham Ford.

Oratorios, 1980's, Choral worksSteve WilkieHandel, 1988