King's Chamber Choir takes audience on musical journey with Handel's Messiah

Gathered in front of a beautiful marble backdrop inside the chapel at Revera’s Windermere on the Mount, King’s Chamber Choir took the audience on a musical journey on Saturday April 6th with a stunning performance of Handel’s Messiah.

The group of choral singers from the King’s University College community and also from the wider Western University and London communities began rehearsing Messiah in early January. Conductor and art director Janet Loo is very proud of the dedication and passion put forth by the chamber choir.

“Considering most of the 16 choruses they had to learn were technically demanding, they dedicated themselves to learning them well and really stepped it up in the performance,” says Loo. “The whole night flowed so smoothly. We really felt the enthusiastic support from the audience and we ourselves were energized by that.”

King’s Chamber Choir is not only committed to creating beautiful music; they also share a common goal to be the voice for those in need within our community.

Dr. David Sylvester, Principal at King’s, is pleased that many members from the King’s community came together to celebrate a wonderful arrangement while supporting others in need.

“The King’s University College Chamber Choir continues to amaze audiences. The level of performance is a testament to the creativity and hard work of Artistic Director Janet Loo,” says Sylvester. “She has created a wonderful synergy between the talent and commitment of her choristers and the many gifted singers and musicians we find in the London community. The result is simply magical.”

Proceeds from the performance, which totalled $1,694.53, were donated to St. Joseph’s Hospice, a charitable organization which provides community based palliative and bereavement care to people living in London and the surrounding area. They provide quality-of-life at the end-of-life, offering programs that address the social, emotional, spiritual and practical needs of clients and their families at no cost.

Joe Eydt, Community Relations Coordinator at St. Joseph’s Hospice, joined the audience for the musical celebration. During a short break, Edyt took the opportunity to thank everyone for their continuous support and to provide information about the benefits of hospice programs and services.

“We value our positive relationship with King’s,” says Eydt. “Whether it’s having thanatology students visit Hospice or through special events like this concert, community partners help us spread the word about the vital role Hospice plays in our community. Thank you to all our supporters at King’s.”

Messiah was originally composed by George Frederic Handel in 1741, with the first performance given in Dublin on April 12, 1742. Now over two centuries later, the powerful and moving narrative continues to spread the joy of Christ to audiences all over the world.

To learn more about King’s Chamber Choir or for audition dates, please visit https://www.kings.uwo.ca/campus-ministry/get-involved/chamber-choir/

For more information about St. Joseph’s Hospice or to donate, please visit www.stjosephhospice.com/