The end of the spring term saw the culmination of Ryton Chorale’s rehearsals for Handel’s Messiah on 25th March at The Crossing.
Under the direction of Nicholas Thorpe, it was an exhilarating performance with very accomplished soloists from Leeds, London and Cheshire: Charlotte Woodhead, alto; Alex Kirkland, tenor; William Kyle, bass; and Sarah Helsby Hughes, soprano, who stepped in at very short notice.
Organist Jack Pickford from Chesterfield and English Pro Musica, the orchestra in residence at Nottingham Trent University, provided the excellent accompaniment.
There was a standing ovation at the end of the performance. The alto soloist said that Ryton Chorale sang with great energy and made the music really exciting. A new choir member said how fantastic it had been to be part of such a wonderful choir, and a member of the audience was full of praise for the professionalism of the choir, the Musical Director, the soloists and the orchestra.
The following week the choir sang Stainer’s Crucifixion at Christ Church for the evening service. An appreciative congregation, as well as the choir, found it a moving experience that was enhanced by the baritone, and former Ryton Chorale conductor, David Wynne and tenor Edward Harrisson. The organist was Jack Pickford.
The choir’s Summer Concert will be on 8th July in St Mary’s Church, Tickhill at 7.30pm.