Ryton Chorale Messiah show

The musicians and singers joined together in memory of former Musical Director Anthony Morgan, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Guest conductor Roger Bryan took up the baton to lead the concert in a rousing and emotional evening’s entertainment for audience and performers alike.

A renowned choir trainer, Bryan expertly led exacting yet fruitful rehearsals from September to bring the best out of Ryton Chorale.

Several members of the choir, which performs the Messiah regularly, said that it was the best performance of the Messiah they have ever given - a fitting tribute to much-missed maestro Tony Morgan.

Soloists were Clare Robertson (soprano), Annette Wood (alto), Philip Leech (tenor) and David Woodhouse (bass), accompanied by the English Pro Musica Chamber Ensemble and Michael Overbury on Harpsichord Continuo.

The familiar Hallelujah Chorus was sung enthusiastically by the choir, joined in the usual places by an audience encouraged to their feet by conductor Roger Bryan, and ended with a terrific round of applause from the audience and satisfied smiles on the faces of choir members.

Ryton Chorale also showed that theirs is a Messiah full of subtlety and contrasts, with some very intensely focussed and atmospheric singing where the dynamics required it.

The concert was an emotional experience for the late Tony Morgan’s family, with Caroline Morgan telling one choir member that ‘Tony would have been proud of you all’.

Ryton Chorale now begin an exciting new chapter in their 30 year history with the appointment of new Musical Director Mark McCombs.

He will be taking the helm for the choir’s next concert in conjunction with Whitwell Brass Band, at Retford Town Hall on Friday 30th November.

You can also hear Ryton Chorale in their annual Christmas concert, complete with festive readings and seasonal refreshments, at St Anne’s Church in Worksop on Monday 17th December.

Tickets for the St Ann’s Church concert are £8 each with children and young people admitted free of charge.

For more information about Ryton Chorale and upcoming shows, or to get involved yourself, visit their website at www.rytonchorale.org.uk