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Sunday, September 13, 2015

HANDEL'S MESSIAH FOR PMB



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