The eighth Nidderdale Messiah was held on Sunday in the beautiful setting of St James Church Birstwith. This annual charity event ensured a packed church full of music lovers who regularly enjoy the chance to “Come and sing” or just join the audience. Thousands of pounds are raised for charity - the chosen charity this year being Disability Action Yorkshire.
Local conductor David Andrews, who has recently retired from a distinguished career at Harrogate Ladies’ College, was directing the musical forces for the first time. He was fortunate to have, as mainstay, the eminent organist Graham Barber, accompanied by Beryl Pankhurst, harpsichord, who established an immediate rapport with soloists and and choir. Peter Woods provided a beautiful cello continuo and the ensemble was ably supported by Margaret Smith, percussion, and Malcolm Herring trumpet.
The rehearsal saw the choir in fine voice - but licked neatly into shape by David Andrews’ sure-footed direction. His comment - “It’s great to see and hear so many people enjoying themselves in a good cause, especially when other choir masters have done all the work. Thanks to all of them!”
The public performance was honoured by the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress of Harrogate, Councillor and Mrs Les Ellington, the Mayor and Mayoress of Knaresborough Councillor and Mrs Andrew Willoughby and the Mayor and Mayoress of Pateley Bridge, Councillor and Mrs Stan Lumley. Edward March the chairman of Birstwith Parish Council also attended and the Reverend Garry Hinchcliffe welcomed audience and performers to the church. The chairman of the Nidderdale Messiah committee, John Hodgson welcomed everyone and also introduced Jackie Snape from Disability Action Yorkshire.
After the opening Sinfonia and tenor aria, the chorus impressed immediately with a confident “And the glory of the Lord”. For one who has experienced very many performances of Messiah as chorus and audience it was an exceptional moment to hear young bass soloist Matthew Kellett’s riveting “All nations I’ll shake” sung with deep resonance and directness of meaning. Graham Barber’s sensitive playing of the Pastoral Symphony provided a moment of reflective calm in the drama, preparing us for the clear angelic tones of soprano Joanne Wicks’ recitative and the choir’s joyful rendering of “Glory to God”. However Joanne Wicks’ pure, delicate voice found its fullest expression in her beautiful account of “I know that my Redeemer liveth”. It must have been a very proud moment for her father David Andrews and a lovely family occasion in what was after all a family concert.
The contralto solos were sung by mezzo Kim Porter, whose mellow voice enhanced her very moving interpretation of “He was despised”. Tenor David Griffiths also impressed with his expressive and sensitive singing, particularly in the aria “Behold and see if there be any sorrow”.
The Hallelujah chorus was sung with great gusto and genuine exultation. The Mayor of Harrogate, in the tradition of King George II was the first of the audience to rise to his feet. Afterwards Councillor Ellington said, “Absolutely fantastic! I want to compliment the organisers who, year after year bring in a full house” He said it was his third visit and he was always pleased to recognise local people amongst choir and audience.
And so the performance drew to a close, but not before we were to hear the rich full sound of Matthew Kellett’s resonant voice as he brought out the real drama of the last trumpet. This was a performance that will linger long after the glory of the final Amen chorus has faded for another year. Here’s to the Nidderdale Messiah 2012!
