I was privileged to attend Messiah: An Oratorio at St Mary Immaculate Church on Saturday 7 December 2019. As I listened to the Scholars Baroque Aotearoa Chamber Choir and soloists, ably accompanied by NZ Barok Orchestra, and conducted be Mr Handel (AKA Chalium Poppy), G.F. Handel’s Messiah reminded me of the way we move through the Church’s year. We heard from the prophets, as we do through the four Sundays of Advent, then moved on to some of the events surrounding the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas. The Oratorio then takes us to some of the events of Jesus’ life, with particular emphasis on his sayings and miracles, onto his horrendous death on the cross (which we commemorate on Good Friday), his Resurrection and Ascension, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the Promise of the Resurrection for all of humanity, through to “Worthy is the Lamb” whose words are taken from St John’s Revelation, followed by the final Amen. I wish to congratulate Chalium Poppy, the Scholars Baroque Aotearoa Chamber Choir, the soloists Greta Claringbould, Laura Funaki, Jeandré le Roux, and James Harrison, and NZ Barok Orchestra on this magnificent performance of Handel’s Messiah, which has become a fixture in the musical calendar in this part of the world as we prepare to celebrate God’s coming among humanity as the baby we know as Jesus Christ. The Rev’d Christine Scott Vicar of the Anglican Parish of Mount Maunganui
Review by The Rev’d Christine Scott
Vicar of the Anglican Parish of Mount Maunganui
“I have sung Messiah several times and heard it many more times before but NEVER LIKE THAT!!! It was absolutely brilliant. It has opened up a whole new perspective on the work. I have a new appreciation of what can be achieved.”
Sonorous, sibilant, splendid, sacred. Was such a marriage of music and lyric ever joined in such perfection? Who cannot but be moved by immersion in this most magnificent of oratorios? Mr Poppy has given us food for the soul, refreshment for the mind and glory to the Lord. Soloists, chorus, orchestra played their part to lift the roof of St Mary’s, Tauranga this evening led, heart and soul by their conductor. Special mention to the Singing Medics (plural); to the double bass player - busy throughout and the authenticity of harpsichord. If I was marooned on a desert island I would ask only for Handel’s masterpiece for comfort. Poor in spirit are those who do not prioritise this celebration which Mr Poppy brings to our city.
Review by Andrew Chancellor
Performed with NZbarok
on Saturday, 7 December 2019
at Saint Mary Immaculate Church
