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Friday, November 15, 2019

MESSIAH FROM PAMS


(Right: Emma Farquharson. Photo: Ashleigh Wegener Studios)

277 years after Handel’s Messiah was written and 155 years since it was performed for the first time in Pietermaritzburg, this great oratorio with its dramatic story telling and brilliant tones of hope and lightness still moves people across the globe.

Music lovers can look forward to a passionate and enthusiastic performance when the Pietermaritzburg Amateur Music Society (PAMS) will produce its annual Messiah concert on Sunday, November 24, 2019, at 14h30 in the beautiful historic St Mary’s Catholic Church in Jabu Ndlovu Street.

It has been clear at the rehearsals that conductor Botes Gresse and the PAMS Choir and orchestra treat probably the most performed choral work in history as something new, singing and playing every piece as if it matters.

“Though a demanding musical work, PAMS has mastered it again for this year’s performance and it promises to be a highlight on the calendar. It is a memorable musical experience for young and old to listen to,” said Gresse, who has also roped in some girls of the Drakondale Girls Choir, as well as singers from various choirs in the Midlands.

(Left: Sibonelo Mbanjwa)

This year’s soloists are Emma Farquharson (soprano), Sondra-Marié Sitz (alto), Sibonelo Mbanjwa (tenor) and Andrew Butler (bass). The instrumentalists are Christopher Cockburn (organ), Jacques Heyns (harpsichord), Jitzke Brien (leader), Annel Niebuhr (cello), Malcolm McKinlay (trumpet) and members of the Pietermaritzburg City Orchestra.

Tickets R130. While tickets will be on sale at the door, seating is limited. To avoid disappointment, contact Helen: 083 264 5705 or Judith: buzzman@absamail.co.za to pre-book.

The concert starts at 14h30 on November 24, 2019, at the St Mary’s Catholic Church, 79 Jabu Ndlovu (Loop Street). Pre-bookers are requested to collect their tickets by 14h25.

For more information contact Christi Naudé, Pietermaritzburg Amateur Music Society (PAMS) on 033 344 3976 or 082 8610114, email pams@centiment.co.za or visit https://www.facebook.com/PAMSchoir