Exactly one week after performing Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 (from memory) with the Aurora Orchestra at Snape Maltings, I returned to this magnificent venue to perform Handel’s Messiah (HWV 56) with the Aldeburgh Music Club and Suffolk Baroque Players, under the direction of Tom Appleton.

Aldeburgh Music Club, founded by Benjamin Britten in 1952, brought this festive work back to Snape Saturday 29 November 2025; for me, this festive season is looking very busy with Bach’s music and so this was my one and only Messiah this season. Fortunately it was a really good one, full of energy, and I felt in very fine fettle. It was great to hear the choir in full voice and these fine soloists, who also have strong local connections: Elenor Bowers-Jolley (soprano), Diana Moore (mezzo soprano), Jonathan Hanley (tenor) and Rob Gildon (bass), with whom I performed ‘The Trumpet Shall Sound’.