AS POINTED out in an earlier issue of the D&S, Darlington Choral Society first performed Handel’s sacred oratorio in the town’s Central Hall in 1857 when moret than 1,000 people were packed into the hall.

Performances of Messiah are obviously less rare these days and fire regulations would prevent such a vast number being allowed in, but it was still something of an experience to hear today’s choir performing the same work in the same hall over 150 years later.

In a further link to the past, the silver-tipped baton first presented to conductor James Marshall in 1863, and missing for over 100 years, was returned to the society, being passed via recent conductors Arthur Berwick and Vincent Price to the present musical director, Richard Bloodworth.

As to the performance itself it was, as is usual these days, judiciously edited though it is still a lengthy undertaking and a tremendous commitment for all the participants.

As in 1857, the choir was just over 70-strong and the admirable Mowbray Orchestra had between 15 and 18 players.

The soloists Rachel Orr, Marie Elliott, Ross Scanlon and particularly former musical director Arthur Berwick provided a firm foundation with strong performances including such well known arias as I know that my Redeemer liveth, He was despised, sung with great sensitivity, Thou shalt break them and a still pertinent Why do the nations so furiously rage together?

Under Richard Bloodworth the choir is clearly in good hands, making a great impact on the first entrance, beautifully light at first on For unto us a child is born and swelling superbly as they sang "Wonderful” and quite splendid on Hallelujah!

The newly returned baton alas proved too heavy for practical purposes, but as a reminder of a worthy tradition of performing choral music in Darlington it served its purpose.

The society’s next concert with music by Durufle, Britten and Rutter is on Saturday, April 16 in St Cuthbert’s Church, Darlington; details at dchoral.com.

Peter Bevan