Southend Bach Choir presented a performance of Handel’s Messiah on Saturday 23rd November 2024 at Holy Trinity Church, Southchurch, continuing the choir’s long-standing association with one of the most beloved works in the choral repertoire.

Under the direction of Music Director Roger Humphrey, the choir performed this monumental English-language oratorio, which traces the prophecy, passion and resurrection of Christ across its three-part structure. From the opening Sinfonia and Comfort ye, through the drama of He was despised and All we like sheep, to the triumphant Hallelujah and concluding choruses, the evening offered a powerful and moving musical journey.

The performance featured four distinguished guest soloists: Elizabeth Dunlop (soprano), Ruby Bak (mezzo-soprano), Samuel Kibble (tenor) and David Townend (bass), with organ accompaniment provided by Stephen King. Together, they brought depth, clarity and expressive warmth to Handel’s arias and recitatives.

Holy Trinity Church, Southchurch, provided a fitting and resonant setting for this timeless work, which holds special significance for the choir — selections from Messiah formed part of its very first concert in 1943. This performance both honoured that history and celebrated the choir’s continuing vitality today.

It was an evening of musical excellence and shared tradition, warmly appreciated by a full and attentive audience, and a highlight of Southend Bach Choir’s concert season.