WORCESTER singers are hitting the Hallelujah trail for a post-Easter performance of a work more traditionally associated with Christmas.
Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir will perform Handel's Messiah at a time when city folk are finishing the last of their chocolate eggs, instead of wrapping festive gifts.
The work may be as traditional part of Christmas as turkey and carols for many but, as the choir's musical director Stephen Shellard explains, Handel created it for Lent.
"It was premiered on April 13, 1742, the Tuesday before Easter, in a small theatre in Dublin and did not become part of the Christmas season until the 19th century, particularly in America," he says.
In fact, only a small part of the work celebrates the birth of Christ near the beginning; most is concerned with his death, his resurrection and its implications
"So, in terms of number of minutes devoted to each section, Messiah is more of an Easter piece than a Christmas piece," says Stephen.
"if Handel had intended it for Christmas, he wouldn't have planned its debut for Easter."
With Messiah originally performed by only about 27 singers, the choristers of Dublin's two cathedrals and a small string orchestra, Stephen, originally a Dublin man himself whose musical career began in the city's St Patrick's Cathedral, is following a similar set-up for the April 21 concert.
The chamber choir has around 30 singers and the accompanying Worcester Chamber Orchestra will feature only one instrument per part.
Soloists are choir members Tim Cox and Sheila Davies with guests Sebastian Field and Wilhelm Theunissen.
The evening begins at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 (£12 student concessions) and are available from www.worcestercathedralchamberchoir.co.uk, on 07549 634068 or at the door.
