Portsmouth Choral Union in Chichester to perform Handel's Samson

Spokeswoman Lois Houston said: “Portsmouth Choral Union has a long tradition of programming Handel’s Oratorios, with their first performance of Messiah in 1896 and have subsequently presented it over 80 times.

“They have though frequently ventured from the well-known to such works as the less often performed Judas Maccabeus and Israel in Egypt, and most recently there have been performances of the rarely heard Belshazzar and Saul. Now the choir are adding Samson to their repertoire – in a performance with the Chichester based period instrument ensemble The Consort of Twelve.

“Composed immediately after he completed Messiah on September 14 1741 the work was completed on October 29 and was a great success, receiving seven performances in its first season – and it is easy to see why.

“Samson contains well-known arias such as Total Eclipse, where Samson laments over his loss of sight. It is worth pointing out that by this time, Handel was beginning to lose his own sight. The soprano aria Let the bright Seraphim celebrates Samson's heroic death and victory over the Philistines, calling on heavenly hosts to honour him.

“There are dramatic choruses too: the solemn gravity of music for the Isrealites contrasts strongly with the livelier and almost raucous choruses of the Philistines. A strong team of solo singers will join the choir for this rare opportunity to hear one of Handel’s greatest oratorios. For all lovers of Baroque music, and especially Baroque choral music, this is a concert – conducted by David Gostick – not to be missed.”

The performance will take place at St Paul’s Church Chichester PO19 6FT, on Sunday, July 5 at 6.30pm. Tickets in advance from: www.pcuchoir.org; www.consortoftwelve.co.uk; and Phillip and Philip Hairdressers, Drapers Yard, 16 The Hornet, Chichester, PO19 7JG. Adults £20, children/students £5.