OPERA STARS AT TOWN HALL
Sunday afternoon's performance of Handel's beloved Messiah, at Stockport Town Hall, will be a first for AMICI, one of the North West's newest ensembles. Conductor Raymond Lomax says "Amici means friends, and we are professional and semi-professional musicians who come together for the love of making music. And there's no greater way to do that than by singing Handel's Messiah!"
This year's performance has three young soloists who have recently made their debuts on the professional opera stage. Judith Tinston, Claire Dilks and Michael Bennett are all friends who between them sing regularly with English National Opera, Opera North and Welsh National Opera. Baritone Mark Rowlinson follows a dual career as a professional singer and Senior Producer with BBC Manchester.
For mezzo soprano Judith Tinston, Sunday will be really special, since it marks her return to the concert platform, after something even more exciting - the birth of daughter Harriet! "We don't know what kind of voice she has yet," said Judith "but she can certainly make a noise!"
By performing at 3 o'clock on a Sunday afternoon, AMICI are hoping to attract a family audience, who would normally find it difficult to get to an evening performance. Says conductor Raymond, "By performing in the afternoon we can make this a real family occasion in the lead-up to Christmas, with everyone enjoying Messiah from toddlers to grandmas!"
Tickets priced £5.00 (£3.50 concessions) are available in advance from Stockport Town Hall, Edward Street Reception [Tel: +44 (0) 161 474 3251] and at the door.