Proud tradition’s on song

Reporter: ALEX CAREY
Date published: 19 December 2014


THE Saddleworth Male Voice Choir and augmented ladies chorus are rehearsing for their 52nd consecutive performance of Handel’s Messiah.

Under their musical director Dorian Kelly, the choir performs as a chorus of 32 tenor/bass voices together with an augmented ladies chorus of 48 soprano/contralto voices who are recruited from local churches, musical societies and choirs.

Some members of the men’s choir have appeared in over 40 performances and a number of the ladies have sung Messiah with the choir for more than 30 years.

The choir recruits the services of professional soloists from the Royal Northern College of Music.

The ensemble is very fortunate to be accompanied once again by the experienced Pennine Orchestra, which, under the leadership of Donald Clarke, has played with the choir since 1982.

The Messiah performance will take place tomorrow at 7pm in the Uppermill Civic Hall.

Tickets are priced at £15, £12 and £10 and can be obtained from the Saddleworth Museum, Uppermill Post Office or David Davies on 01457 873182.