Choir returns to its roots for first concert of the new season

Exeter Philharmonic Choir will begin its new concert season in November with Handel’s wonderful Messiah, the first work it performed in public in 1847, a year after the Choir was founded.

Handel composed his Messiah during 24 days of concentrated creativity in 1741. Since Exeter Philharmonic Choir’s first performance of this dramatic work, the Choir has returned to it many times - to the delight of members and audiences alike.

Exeter Philharmonic Choir’s Director of Music, Howard Ionascu, says everyone is very much looking forward to the concert at Exmouth’s Holy Trinity Church on Saturday 9 November: “Exeter Philharmonic Choir is delighted to be returning to Exmouth, this time bringing with us that most cherished and celebrated of choral works, Handel’s Messiah. We are joined by four outstanding professional soloists, chosen to bring freshness and sparkle to the famous arias. Choir and soloists will be accompanied by The Handel Sinfony, an accomplished professional ensemble from Bristol.

“For me, there are many favourite moments in this piece, but it’s hard to beat the final climactic bars of the ‘Amen’. I like to keep everything very still and quiet until we reach Handel’s own marking of fortissimo. This heralds the entry of the entire forces in glorious harmony, including soloists, with the two trumpets blazing forth on either side of the orchestra...true surround sound!”

EPC is always accompanied by professional musicians and soloists and looks forward to singing with The Handel Sinfony, Sam Cobb (soprano), Luthien Brackett (alto), Oscar Golden-Lee (tenor) and James Geidt (bass).

Luthien Brackett was born in California, USA, to parents who loved to read and was named after a character in J R R Tolkien’s Legendarium. Praised by the press for the ‘lushness and delicacy’ of her voice, she is in great demand as an alto soloist and professional chorister.

Luthien says, “I’ve sung Messiah dozens of times but, no matter how often I sing it, it still thrills me every time. For sheer drama, nothing beats Messiah. It has everything – from the depths of despair and terror to the champagne fizz of joy and expectation. For me, it’s just not Christmas until I hear ‘Comfort ye, my people’.

“I’m so looking forward to singing this piece along with such a superb line-up of soloists and Exeter Philharmonic Choir. As an American expat, one of the things I admire most about the UK is the marvellous tradition of top-notch choral societies such as EPC. I’m proud to be a small part of the wonderful history of this venerable institution.”

Soprano Sam Cobb, who enjoys a busy career as a soloist and ensemble singer, adds, "I know I'm not alone in that I have a long-standing familiarity with this wonderful piece, which sits at the centre of the choral tradition in the UK. It's a treat for me to explore how its music and narrative resonates differently in every performance, both on a personal level and collectively with fellow musicians and audiences.”

Tickets: All unreserved £20 (see online for discounts) exeterphilharmonic.org.uk or by calling 0333 666 3366.