On Saturday evening 5th July, St Michael’s Church in Beccles echoed to the sound of a both poignant and joyful performance of Handel’s “Messiah” given by the Beccles Choral Society conducted by Vetta Wise and enjoyed by an audience of some 300 people.

The choir produced a clean and focused sound and rose to the complexities of many of the fugal passages in the choruses. Vetta drew out a real sense of drama throughout the changing moods of the piece from both choir and orchestra. The “Hallelujah” Chorus was a particular highlight of the performance as were the final choruses “Worthy is the Lamb,” and “Amen.”

Each of the Soloists brought fine performances. Rhona McKail – Soprano sung a memorable “I know my redeemer liveth,” and “Rejoice greatly.” Rhona produced a lively, well projected tone that really communicated both words and music. Rowan Hellier – Alto, sang with a rich and warm sound and communicated wonderfully the tenderness of “He shall feed his flock,” and “He was despised,” with great intensity.

Nick Allen – Tenor, coped well with the technical demands of arias such as “Every valley,” and “Thou shalt break them.” Matthew Sprange – Bass, produced an outstanding performance particularly of “The trumpet shall sound,” and “The people that walked in darkness.” His wonderfully rich and fluent tone was one of the highlights of the performance. All the soloists are young singers currently studying at the Guildhall School of Music and they are all names that we will hear much more of in the future. The orchestra was led by Gregory Eaton with some outstanding trumpet playing from Ray Simmons and Richard Keeble, particularly in the “Hallelujah Chorus,” and “The trumpet shall sound.”.

This was Vetta Wise’s final performance with the Beccles Choral Society after 5 years as their director and conductor, and was without doubt a fitting tribute to the work she has done with the choir during this time. This was a good, well directed performance that brought immense pleasure to every member of the audience.
– John Beauchamp

Traditional folk songs are included, performed by solo voice as well as the choir, and music by local composers.

Beccles 2000, Then, Now and Beyond is a group of songs describing various aspects of Beccles town.

The CD was professionally recorded in the chapel of St Felix School and we are indebted to them for allowing us the use of such a wonderful facility.

New Season
The society starts its new season on 2nd September with rehearsals for the concert on 13th December. Any interested prospective members should contact [email protected] or 01493 780856
for further information.

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We can always be connected for further information on 01493 780856 or through our web site www.beccleschoralsociety.co.uk