REVIEW: Handel's Messiah
WHAT BETTER way to celebrate the arrival of the Christmas season than an achingly beautiful performance of Handel's Messiah in an ancient country church.
And how lucky are we to enjoy musicianship of this quality on a chilly November night in a mediaeval village.
Lewes-based, all female singing group Cantilena added a 'plus' to its name and was joined by experienced basses and tenors for the performance in St Andrew's Parish Church, Alfriston, on Sunday evening.
The relatively small group delivered a quick and light sound, immaculate in tone, with resonant bass and alto lines and crystal-bright sopranos.
Cantilena director Ray Maulkin conducted the Florentine Quartet (leader Christopher Phipps) with precision that was both scientific yet sensitive.
Sopranos Kathryn Sargent and Charlotte Tayler stood out, as did tenor Robert Little (Comfort Ye) and basses Michael Bunting and Christopher Maulkin whose young voice possessed astonishing depth in the complex For Behold, Darkness shall Cover the Earth.
Visitors to the packed church were asked to stand and join in the Hallelujah Chorus (with help from the choir which moved into the aisles as a useful prompt).
Some even managed to stay the course with the right number of Hallelujahs, thanks to Kathryn who sang the soprano line while conducting.
A superbly professional delivery of this glorious classic ensured we will all revisit Alfriston for Cantilena's next performance, Durufle's Requiem and Messe des Pecheurs de Villerville by Messager and Faure on Saturday, January 24.
To book tickets, 6, call 07879 454379.
Susan King
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Weather for Lewes
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
