17th December 2021

What a Christmas treat! We were given a truly magical performance of The Messiah, on a similar minimalist scale to that originally envisaged by Handel back in1742. But even Handel would have marvelled at the wonderful setting of Powderham castle, lit up by glorious technicolour and the grounds festooned with thousands of fairy lights.

But it was the musicians that really dazzled.

The  Powderham Consort (8 singers) gave their all. Their many beautiful solos  brought such joy, and their touching rendition of recits, arias and choruses alike will resonate with me for some time to come. They were accompanied brilliantly by Divertimento (5 strings, 1 oboe, timpani, organ and 1 trumpet), who were not only  responsive and agile, but revealed new aspects of this most familiar of works at every turn.

They all deserved, and received a standing ovation. Small in scale, but large in impact. Just what we needed in troubled times.

Myles Taylor