Beethoven once
said: "Handel was the greatest composer that ever lived. I would uncover
my head, and kneel before his tomb."
Handel’s Messiah has become one of the most
popular and performed choral works in the world. Last year, 1,500 people
attended two celebratory concerts held in the PMB City Hall and at Amber Valley
in Howick commemorating the first full performance of Messiah in Pietermaritzburg in 1864. The massed choir of PAMS
Choir, the Howick Choristers and the Thembelihle Children's Choir with the PMB
City Orchestra was conducted by Robin Walton.
Reviewer Mary-Ann
Hartley wrote "This was an event that from the first note to the last exuded
passion, energy and enjoyment on the part of musicians and singers. The real
star of the show was Robin Walton whose dedication to music in PMB has helped
to keep alive this tradition which means a great deal to many people."
In 2015, PAMS Choir
conducted by Robin Walton and accompanied by the PMB City Orchestra with local
soloists will continue this tradition in a performance to be held on November
15 (venue still to be announced). PAMS’ well known and much loved accompanist
Nat Fish retired in 2013 and has been sorely missed. Now Jacques Heyns, a
highly accomplished musician, has accepted the position which adds a great deal
to the enjoyment of the practices.
PAMS warmly invites
choral singers from all voice groups to join the choir for Messiah, particularly those singers who may have sung Messiah with the late Dr. Joshua Radebe
as this performance will be dedicated to his memory.
Practices will be
on Tuesday evenings from 19h00 to 21h00 at the NG Kerk in Prestbury opposite
the Botanical Gardens in Pietermaritzburg. The first was held on September 8
with a good turn-out of members. New singers joined the choir, many of whom had
travelled long distances some from as far as Hermannsburg.
For more
information contact 033 347 0787 or 072 235 1138
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