My review comes from the third row of the tenors, who were manful and dramatic. Behind me, the basses were watchful and heroic; to the right, sopranos lithe and expressive; on the left, altos warm and dependable.

This was conductor Robert Hammersley's first complete Messiah with the Society, and the old war horse is well worth repetition. Mr. Hammersley, both on and off the podium was attentive and inspirational.

The soloists were Soprano Eloise Irving, fresh from Orff the night before, wonderfully agile in Rejoice Greatly, and charming with her clean tone; Alto Jane Haughton, who sang with nicely rounded warmth; Tenor Lawrence Olsworth-Peter, as fresh and sweet sounding as ever; and Bass Paul Sheehan, passionate and positive in delivery.

The small orchestra, a section of the Mid Sussex Sinfonia led by Martin Palmer, gave accurate and sensitive accompaniment, underpinned by David Moore's discreet continuo. The trumpet solo in Shall Sound was brilliantly taken by an, alas, unnamed soloist. The large and enthusiastic audience was testimony to the fact that Messiah is always worth another outing.