Special occasionand triumphantconclusion to successful show

Saturday night’s performance was especially meaningful, sandwiched as it was between the Armistice events commemorated world-wide, where not only two world wars were remembered but also the casualties of more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Arundel Cathedral was a fitting venue for The Angmering Chorale’s thoughtful account of this well-loved oratorio. Moments of solemnity and high drama were contrasted with vigorous, sometimes light-hearted dance forms, delivered with freshness and vitality by choir, soloists and the Arun Sinfonia (leader: Robin Morrish), all co-ordinated by the choir’s indomitable musical director, George Jones.

From the very first stirring chords of the overture we were drawn into Handel’s vision of the dramatic prophecy of a great Saviour who would change the course of destiny.

Tenor Christopher Lemmings eloquently recalled God’s words of comfort to his troubled people, while the chorus exuberantly responded that the Glory of the Lord would be revealed.

Bass-baritone James Oldfield graphically described the world being shaken by the arrival of the Promised One, and mezzo-soprano Marie Elliott reverently told of the Virgin’s key role in delivering Emmanuel: God with us. Once again the chorus exulted at the wonderful news, and after a serenely beautiful Pastoral Symphony from the orchestra’s Strings, Soprano Lucy Hall delighted us all with her radiant description of the nativity scene.

With Marie, Lucy sang the incomparable He Shall Feed His Flock Like a Shepherd, and the choir ended part one with an irrepressibly bubbly account of His Yoke is Easy.

In part two soloists, choir and orchestra all achingly described the sufferings endured by Christ in his Passion. Marie was intense in He was Despised, Christopher was riveting in Thy Rebuke hath Broken His Heart and Behold and See, while Lucy was tenderly expressive in How Beautiful are the Feet.

The mood rapidly changed to triumph as we all stood for the majestic Hallelujah Chorus.

Part three began with I Know that My Redeemer Liveth – an eloquent performance by Lucy, Robin (violin), Richard Kerney-Haynes (cello) and Alison Manton (harpsichord).

The choir movingly sang a small quartet of pieces, alternately unaccompanied and accompanied, contrasting death and eternal life.

James convincingly and dramatically set the scene for the Last Trumpet, flawlessly delivered by Jon Yates.

The final chorus powerfully told of divine redemption and expressed heartfelt thanks for deliverance.

The four soloists enthusiastically joined in and brought the evening to a triumphant close.

A collection was taken for Help for Heroes, in recognition of the charity’s sterling work.

Marilyn Dennis