Most singers know Messiah pretty well, but how would you feel having to walk out on stage for a complete Messiah performance without your score?
That's exactly what the members of Bristol Choral Society will be doing this Saturday 22 December at Colston Hall Bristol at 7.30pm.
At about 10pm they will walk back off stage again having sung 16 choruses without looking at a note or word of music!
That's nothing new however - the choir, under conductor Adrian Partington, has performed the work from memory since 2006. Adrian says
'the choir achieves the feat of performing the whole work from memory, which is quite remarkable - unique as far as I am aware - and it enables a much greater connection between the performers on stage, the music they are making and the audience who come to enjoy it'.
Together with the wonderful playing of baroque orchestra Music for Awhile it makes for a spectacular start to any Christmas.
Bristol Choral Society's Messiah marks its 120th anniversary at Colston Hall this year, so even more reason to come and celebrate!
Find out more here: www.bristolchoral.co.uk
Before the evening performance, the choir and same orchestra and soloists perform a Mini Messiah family concert at 4.30pm the same day (Sat 22 Dec) - all from memory of course - introducing children to some of Handel's masterpiece.
Now in its 3rd year, it has proved incredibly popular and well-received - if you have or know anyone with children who will be near Bristol on Saturday, encourage them to come. Adults are just £5, accompanied children FREE!
Find out more about the Mini Messiah family concert here: www.bristolchoral.co.uk or see this blog post for more about the concept
