Whitchurch to host performance of Handel's Messiah

St Alkmund's in Church Street is the setting for a performance of Handel's Messiah on Friday, December 13.

Staged by Whitchurch based baritone Peter Edge, the performance will also feature soprano Holly Teague, mezzo soprano Helena Cooke and tenor William Smith together with Chester Bach Singers and the 18th Century Concert Orchestra, all under the baton of Martin Bussey.

Peter, 25, recently graduated as a Master of Music in Vocal Performance with Distinction, from the Royal College of Music, London, where he was tutored by Peter Savidge.

Competition successes include the International Medal at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, the Chris Treglown Memorial Award and RNCM Freckleton Prize.

Soloists joining Peter on stage include tenor William Smith and soprano Holly Teague.

William's most recent engagements include Handel’s Messiah, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Bach’s St John Passion, Rossini’s Stabat Mater and Dvorak’s Stabat Mater.

Shropshire born Holly is currently completing her undergraduate degree at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where she studies with Amanda Roocroft and Catherine Benson.

In June 2018, Holly was awarded a place at Conservatoire de Paris where she studied with Elene Golgevit and Anne le Bozec for six months.

Speaking about the event, Peter said: "Composed by Handel in 1741, the Messiah reflects on Christ's birth, the passion and Christ's life, death and resurrection.

"St Alkmund's Church is a beautiful setting for the concert, with fantastic professional and local soloists, the Chester Bach Singers and the 18th Century Sinfonia taking part.

"The concert will be played on period instruments and in period costume.

"Tickets are limited, so we are advising advanced booking to ensure that people don't miss out.

"It really will be the most fantastic way to start off festive celebrations."

Tickets for the event can be booked at peteredgebaritone.co.uk/messiah