Choruses For All-Comers

Have you ever wanted to sing the great “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah?  Well, singers of no, a little, or plenty of experience can do just that in a “sing-in” on Sunday November 15th.

As a lead-up for their December concert of this work with Opus Orchestra, the Hamilton Civic Choir will host an event at St. Peter’s cathedral in which anyone who turns up can learn to sing some of the favourite choruses in  Frederick Handel’s mighty Messiah oratorio.  Handel wrote this beautiful and dramatic work in in 1741.  It is widely regarded as his masterpiece and is still today the most performed choral work all over the world, with a full performance requiring four soloists, an orchestra and choir.

For this month’s sing-in the singers will be led by conductor Nigel Williams. After moving to the UK to live and work from 2007-2014, Nigel is now back in NZ working as a freelance musician, teacher and conductor and continuing to write music.  He now resides in Tauranga but is no stranger to the Waikato, as he teaches music at several local schools and  conducted the Civic Choir for its first two concerts this year.  His relaxed and cheerful style in workshops like this is enjoyed by singers of all ages.

Singers are asked to register in advance, and to bring their own score if they have access to one.

Family and friends will be welcome to come along at 4 p.m. to listen to the results of the afternoon’s practice session.