It’s an ambitious programme, the first part of Messiah by George Frideric Handel, often heard at Christmas and Easter.
Joy McLeod, formerly of the Suncoast Singers and currently of the Pender Harbour Choir, is the conductor of what she’s calling the Christmas Choir, a 25-member group who will present a selection from Messiah at St. John’s United Church in two performances.
McLeod gives credit to the late Eric Tiessen for the inspiration to work on this beloved piece of music. In 2013 during a rehearsal for a similar group of choristers, the Summer Choir, Tiessen approached McLeod and asked if she would be interested in conducting a group of singers to work on Handel’s masterpiece. He also wanted a cello to accompany the choir as well as the piano. Last year 30-plus singers worked hard to learn the glorious music plus three choruses of Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the composer’s birth.
That was the beginning of a Messiah love affair. The singers wanted to continue.
“Eric Tiessen passed away last February,” McLeod said, “but his support for quality music on the Coast lives on through this group of singers.”
They have been rehearsing since October every Saturday at St. John’s United Church. There are many things to learn besides the music; for example, enunciation is important. There are apparently three ways to pronounce the words “for unto us” but only one correct way. Also, when does a singer stop for breath? These issues must be worked out at rehearsals to make a smooth show.
Accompanist Paula Seward is at the piano again for the rehearsals. Tom Kellough will play the harpsichord for their first concert on Dec. 19 and David Poon will play the next one on Dec. 28.
They will also benefit from a string quartet of talented Coast musicians: Michelle Bruce, Kathleen Hovey, Gene-vieve Mackay and Sarah Tippett-Poon.
Some of the 25 singers have come directly from the summer choir while others are new. Many are familiar with the Messiah from their experience in church choirs; it’s something they remember. There will be soloists, including Ian Nestegaard Paul, a tenor, and Sean Veley, McLeod’s son with a big bass voice.
“We learned last year that the audience does a fantastic job of singing the familiar and beloved carols, so those will also be included this year — as well as the Hallelujah chorus,” added McLeod.
Concerts are next Friday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s United Church in Davis Bay, then again on Sunday, Dec. 28 at 2:30 p.m. For the latter performance, a few of the choir members will be away on holiday, but McLeod is confident that it will still be a good show. Admission is by donation; suggested price is $15 or more.
