Kilmarnock choir hopes to raise the roof

Nov 14 2008 by Stef Lach, Kilmarnock Standard

KILMARNOCK and District Choral Union is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a concert that will benefit two children’s charities.

On Sunday, November 30, at 7.30pm in the Grand Hall, Kilmarnock, the KDCU will perform Messiah, with proceeds going to CLIC Sargent and the Ayrshire Hospice.

In the 60 years since it was formed, the KDCU has gone from strength to strength. Membership numbers are on the up and conductor Bill Kean can’t wait for the performance of Messiah.

He said: “The choir has been rehearsing its way through all of the marvellous choruses and they are looking forward to presenting this wonderful work in the Grand Hall.

“Messiah doesn’t have a strict storyline and instead it has a focus on some of the main events in the Christian calendar year.

“An added ingredient is that financial proceeds will go to Clic Sargent and the Ayrshire Hospice. This has been possible as a result of a legacy left to the choir by Nana Deans, a former member, to whom the Choral Union owes a debt of gratitude.”

The four soloists for the performance are drawn from various sources. The soprano is Megan Read and the tenor is Nick Hardy.

Both are involved with the Scottish Opera and have been part of many of its best performances.

The alto soloist is Audrey McKirdy, the well-known conductor of the Glasgow Youth Choir, who balances a teaching career with solo engagements across Scotland.

The bass is a former member of the KDCU, Donald Bell. Donald is making the journey specially from his base in London’s Covent Garden.

Messiah was composed by George Frideric Handel and is divided into three parts which address specific events in the life of Christ.

Part One is primarily concerned with the Advent and Christmas stories. Part Two chronicles Christ’s passion, resurrection and ascension.

Part Three is based primarily upon the events chronicled in The Revelation to St John.

Tickets for the show are priced £10 each and are available from any of the members of the choir or from the Palace Theatre Box Office in person or on 01563 554900.