The combined churches of the Eurobodalla and community members invite everyone to the Handel’s Messiah Christmas celebration at St Bernard’s Church, Batehaven, on December 17 at 5pm.
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The St Bernard’s community will host a community BBQ and party afterwards.
Organiser Marie Cook said the Messiah was “about goodwill and celebrating the glory of life in all people and things”.
“The music is uplifting and joyous,” Ms Cook said.
“Handel, the composer, dedicated many performances to raise funds for charities in London and Dublin during the eighteenth century.
“In a similar way, singers and instrumentalists are generously giving their talents and time for the celebration at Batehaven.”
Ms Cook said rehearsals were paying off.
“Fiona Jones, the musical director and soprano soloist, has inspired the choir to sing passionately, with clarity and feeling,” she said.
“She has trained the choir in voice production by drawing on the best techniques from her 30 years of teaching singers.
“Fiona’s love of singing shines through.”
The other soloists are Andrew Edmunds, tenor; Helen Barbic, alto; and Jeff Westbrook, bass.
Forty choristers were attracted to the project.
They come from all walks of life, from Moruya to Tabourie Lake.
Participants range in age from 12 up to their eighties.
Handel dedicated many performances to raise funds for charities in London and Dublin during the eighteenth century.
This is truly a whole of community event.
Phil Cullen and Andrew Morton will be accompanying on piano and cello.
The first seed for this celebration of Messiah was Phil Cullen’s suggestion to the St Bernard’s music team some years ago.
Eventually, after other people also requested a Messiah, an abridged version of Messiah Christmas choruses and solos was chosen for the celebration on December 17.
The celebration is free for everyone.
The BBQ is free for children and only $5 per adult.
Tickets for adults for the barbecue are being sold at the Vinnies shop in Orient St, Batemans Bay, and in the Salvation Army shop, Old Princes Highway, Batemans Bay.