UPDATE

            Normally at this time of year, I would be writing to advertise the dates, venues and times of the Christmas and winter concerts. However, due to the late  appointment of our new Director, Malcolm Knowles, everything is running a bit late and dates and venues have not yet been finalised.  Rehearsals are well under way for a concert of carols and readings in December and a performance of Handel’s ‘The Messiah’ in January, but please look out for posters and in the local press for further details.

            I am particularly looking forward to this year’s programme because I joined Ryedale Choral Union to sing the Millennium Messiah in Pickering Church in 2000. I am not from a musical background, was poor at sight reading and I hadn’t sung with a choir for a very long time, but I wanted to sing ‘The Messiah’.  I almost went home at the tea break! For those who don’t know his work – Handel wrote complicated music, with lots of long runs of notes (known within the choir as ‘wobbly bits’) which looked terrifying. However, a lovely lady realised I was lost, shared lots of tips over tea and then gave me a gentle nudge and pointed at the score whenever I got lost. I wasn’t perfect, but I felt so proud after the performance and I have been singing ever since. New members are always made welcome. 

            Rehearsals for the Spring concert of Mozart’s ‘Requiem’ begin in January at Pickering Methodist Chapel, Potter Hill.  

Mary Cowton.