TO ADD to the celebrations this year of the 250th anniversary of the death of George Frideric Handel, Launceston Choral Society recently performed the complete Parts 2 and 3 of his greatest choral work, 'Messiah.'

This meant that those attending heard some of the less well known choruses that are often cut when all three parts are performed. In this performance, the lovely duet 'How beautiful are the feet' sung wonderfully by soloists Dawn Felton, ­soprano, and Margaret Parfitt, alto, was completed by the chorus 'Break forth into Joy.'

The concert also featured regular soloists, tenor Gordon Pike and bass Ian Hardy and David Crocker stepped in at short notice to provide a sensitive organ accompaniment. Royal Northern College of Music trained Joanne Baker-Teixeira, who began her ­performing career with Launceston Town Band, played the trumpet solo in 'The Trumpet shall sound' and the choir was conducted by musical director, Jonathan Mann.

An appreciative audience contributed nearly £300 to the retiring collection in aid of St Luke's Hospice.

Launceston Choral Society's next concert will be its 'Summer Serenade,' a concert of lighter, popular music suitable for a summer evening on Saturday, June 20 and on Saturday, November 14 it will be giving the first performance in Launceston of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Req­uiem.'