Joint Schools' Choral Concert - Handel's Messiah
It is a brave thing indeed to put on a performance of Handel's Messiah, a work which has since its inception fallen victim to brutal attacks by provincial choral societies. But Monday's performance was a triumph: a large and enthusiastic choir gave a wonderful rendition of the work, bringing light and shade to the whole work.
The choir sounded magnificent in every chorus - dance-like in O thou that tellest; dramatic in Since by Man came Death; and hugely impressive in the Hallelujah chorus - to name but a few.
The chorus of about 210 comprised singers from Merchant Taylors', Merchant Taylors' Prep School, St John's School, Northwood, and St Helen's School, Northwood. The orchestra, mainly professional players, was peppered with pupils from MTS and St Helen's, providing them with a fantastic experience of accompanying a choir and soloists. We were delighted to welcome as soloists four experienced soloists: as soprano, Mrs Tessa Suggett; as alto, Miss Hera Protopapas; as tenor, Mr Benjamin Durrant; and as bass, Mr Harrison Robb, OMT.
Being the last joint concert to be conducted by Mrs Stubbs before her retirement in the summer, it was appropriate that there was a standing ovation, not only for the performers, but for Mrs Stubbs, who has masterminded and overseen this and so many performances over the thirty-six years which she has been at MTS.
