With Lichfield Cathedral Choristers, St Chad's Camerata and soloists Natalie Clifton-Griffiths (Soprano), Ed Lyon (Tenor), William Berger (Baritone) and Philip Jones (Alto). Conducted by Philip Scriven.

An uplifting and well enjoyed concert to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the choir. There was a standing ovation for the world-first performance of a new work by Paul Spicer, commissioned by the choir to mark the occasion.

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Programme:

• Paul Spicer, Advent Oratorio (World Premiere):
  The Biblical Hope of the Coming of God.
• Handel, Messiah (Part One)

Messiah is possibly the best-loved work for the Christmas season, and the first work ever performed by the Special Choir. 50 years on the choir is introduced a new work to lead into the festive season with the world première of Advent Oratorio by Paul Spicer, especially commissioned for the anniversary. Following the success of the Easter Oratorio, Advent Oratorio is another collaboration between Tom Wright and Paul Spicer. It is a setting of the Advent story with John the Baptist central to the action. It has a similar pattern of choruses, arias, recitatives, chorales and big Advent hymns in new arrangements for the audience to sing.

Natalie Clifton-Griffiths	Ed Lyon	William Berger	Philip Jones