The spirits were certainly lifted recently by a magnificent performance of Handel’s Messiah given at St Nicholas’ Chapel, Lynn by Noxwode Baroque, the King’s Lynn Festival Chorus, and a superb team of soloists: Bethany Seymour, soprano; Luthien Brackett, alto; Jonathan Hanley, tenor; and Geoff Clapham, bass.

Ben Horden conducted the choral masterpiece in an excellent scholarly edition by Clifford Bartlett, bringing musical authenticity to the fore.

The work was performed with lively tempi, but in the more reflective sections, with a steady pace, allowing the music to flow naturally. Although the chorus was larger than Handel himself would probably have used, the balance between it and the Baroque orchestra seemed right and the choruses were given with the enthusiasm and sensitivity we have come to expect from the King’s Lynn Festival Chorus.

The Noxwode Baroque is a collective ensemble specialising in period performance of mostly 17th and 18th century music, and was founded as recently as 2018. The musicians use period instruments and are both current students and alumni of various prestigious music colleges; they have performed widely in the U.K. and abroad.

I was delighted a harpsichord was used as continuo in the performance, and I must praise the first class rendering of The Trumpet Shall Sound by the young trumpet soloist, supporting the singer superbly. All members of the orchestra, however, gave a performance of clarity and was incisive, but also warm and tender when needed.

The four choral soloists gave outstanding performances of their arias, employing appropriate decoration, and the duet, ‘O death, where is thy sting?’ will linger in my memory for a long time!

Conor Gricmanis, the orchestra’s leader, contributed some fine solo accompaniments, but all who contributed to the performance gave of their best. We look forward to hearing future concerts, thanks to Ben Horden, the conductor, for enabling us to experience this spirited and moving sacred work. 

–Andy Tyler, Lynn News