Gisborne Choral Society to perform Celebration Messiah on Sunday

Gisborne Choral Society, led by musical director Gavin Maclean, in rehearsal for this Sunday's Celebration Messiah at the Holy Trinity Church.

Hallelujah! No, not the much-covered Leonard Cohen song, but the much-loved chorus from Handel’s Messiah, where everyone stands up because King George II was so moved at its premier in 1743 that he stood up. And when the King stands, everyone stands.

This Sunday, the community has the chance to hear this famous chorus in context when Gisborne Choral Society (GCS), in its 60th year, presents Celebration Messiah.

The great work has been described as a monument of Western civilisation, such is its enduring popularity almost three centuries since it was written.

It remains the most frequently performed major work for choir and orchestra, and many societies still perform it every year, either at Christmas or at Easter.

“Although a profoundly biblical work, it appeals no less to those who simply love music or drama,” GCS musical director Gavin Maclean said.

This time, the long work will be shortened and interspersed with explanations, making it easy listening for newcomers and younger audience members.

The best-known numbers will still be there, including the universally loved Hallelujah chorus for the 40-strong choir.

Gisborne Orchestra will accompany the choruses, and guest organist Thomas Nikora, who made such an impression here last year in The Great Mass by Mozart, will hold it all together on the Holy Trinity Church organ.

“The climaxes, as cunningly planned by Handel, will be crowned by the sudden appearance of trumpets and timpani,” Maclean said.

The tenor soloist also hails from Wellington. Samuel Berkahn is well known as an organist but will sing the highly varied tenor scenes – the prophetic opening, the tender Easter Passion scene, and the furious Thou Shalt Dash Them.

Other solos will be shared by a host of talented locals – Aston Lawton, Roy Neumegen (ex-Gisborne), Catherine Macdonald, Elizabeth Raines, Charlotta Passe, Mary-Jane Richmond, Erin Small, Maclean and Serena Foster.

“Every time we sing this wonderful work, those of us who have sung it before, sometimes multiple times, discover new depths,” GCS president Mary-Jane Richmond said.

“For those who are singing it for the first time, it is a truly uplifting experience.”

Richmond said the GCS committee decided it would be a fitting way to start what is planned to be a year of celebrating choral music, 60 years since the choir’s foundation.

A choral festival involving different choirs and singing groups is planned for June, and, to be confirmed, a performance of Carl Orff’s stirring Carmina Burana towards the end of the year.

• Celebration Messiah
• Holy Trinity Church, 2pm, Sunday
• Door sales. $20 waged, $10 unwaged