The Mackay Choral Society will be presenting Handel’s glorious ‘Messiah’ in a free concert this Sunday, December 11, starting at 4pm.

Conducted by Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music lecturer, Kim Kirkman, this concert is a must for all who love fine music.

Peter Axford from the Australian Opera, who so successfully sang ‘Elijah’ last year will again be in Mackay for this special performance. He will be joined by other soloists including Brisbane tenor, Neil Mason (of Jones & Co. fame), local mezzo soprano Beth Allen, soprano Vicki Jones, and soprano Cilla Slack, who is a student of the CQCM.

Mr Kirkman has also imported Cameron Waters from the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra to play in the orchestra, which will be lead by local star violinist, Kirsten Kerr.

Handel, a baroque composer from the eighteenth century, was born in Germany but lived in England for nearly 5 decades, during which time he specialized in operas and oratorios. He died in London in 1759 and has been credited with creating some of the most beautiful music ever composed.

The overwhelming popularity of ‘Messiah’ has eclipsed almost every other work Handel composed except perhaps ‘Water Music’ and ‘Fireworks Music’.

For concert information telephone the Mackay Entertainment Centre on 4957 1777.

Photo above: Eighteenth century baroque composer George Frideric Handel.