Handel would have been pleased!

Published on isbi School News dated Wednesday 15th of December 2010

The hundred-strong combined choirs of St Benedict's School and Ealing Abbey recently performed Handel's 'Messiah'. With all tickets sold and the Abbey Church packed full, there was an expectant mood among the audience. Everyone sensed they were in for a special evening and they were not disappointed. As the audience traditionally rose for the 'Hallelujah Chorus' it was spine tingling time as the choirs thundered out this most famous of Handel's choral works.

Music at St Benedict's brings together pupils and staff in a wonderful spirit of cooperation. Dicky Thomas, Director of Music at St Benedict's School, was delighted that over eighty pupils were singing, along with many members of staff. Three of the four 'Messiah' soloists currently teach singing in the School and the fourth has just left to pursue a full time contract with the English National Opera.

The Director of the Abbey Choir, Chris Eastwood, who conducted the performance, felt that Handel himself would have been pleased. 'It was a big ask to get everything together given the limited time available for rehearsals but our choirs responded magnificently. The Abbey is a wonderful setting for the 'Messiah' and we were all determined to do it justice.'