Music Society set to stage special Cathedral concert as grand finale to 75th Anniversary Celebrations

Final preparations are underway as one of Chester most prestigious music societies prepares to stage a special performance of one of the UK's best loved classical works as part of its anniversary celebrations.

Members of Chester Music Society are preparing to stage Handel's masterpiece "Messiah" at Chester Cathedral on Saturday 14th May at 7.30pm. The concert is the grand finale to a season of events marking the Society's 75^th Anniversary. 

Performed annually throughout the UK since its first performance in 1742, Handel's Messiah tells the story from the prophecy to the birth, death and resurrection of Christ in a series of recitatives, solo arias and choruses. From the opening Comfort ye my people, through Hallelujah and I know that my Redeemer Liveth, to the final chorus, Worthy is the Lamb, Messiah is now deeply embedded in the British musical consciousness. 

Last performed by Chester Music Society Choir in 2016, this performance promises to provide a moving experience, performed with professional soloists and orchestra in the historic surroundings of Chester Cathedral. The concert will feature Soprano Milly Forrest, Mezzo Soprano Elizabeth Paul, Tenor Toby Ward and Bass James Cleverton together with the Chester Music Society Choir and Liverpool Sinfonia under the musical direction of Graham Jordan Ellis.

Speaking about being able to finally perform once again following the removal of Covid restrictions, John Ferrari, the Chair of Chester Music Society Choir said: “After having missed two full years of performances due to Covid, CMS Choir is delighted to be back in business once again. Audience numbers are rebuilding again and we are sure Cheshire music lovers will be as glad as we are to be able to hear and enjoy this glorious work once again".

Tickets for the concert priced at £10 (side aisles), £20 (west steps) and £25 (nave) are available via:

www.chestermusicsociety.org.uk 

Alternatively, contact the box office on:

01244 500959.

Chester Music Society was founded in 1946 in the aftermath of the Second World War “To encourage, amongst amateurs, music making both orchestral and choral". Now, as it celebrates its 75^th anniversary, the Society is still as active as ever, promoting chamber concerts by both professional and amateur musicians and performing choral works. 

Pictured - Chester Music Society Choir with Conductor Graham Jordan -Ellis.