With singing in groups still banned under Covid measures, the Aureole Choir is inviting people to buy tickets for an online performance of Handel’s Messiah on 13 December, during which local soloists, both amateur and professional, will be singing live over the internet.
Tickets have already been sold to people in Italy, Finland, the UK, Ireland, Guernsey and Jersey.
The choir, which has raised more than £3,000 for local charities since its launch at the beginning of the pandemic, is hoping to raise £1,000 for Age Concern Jersey and the local branch of the NSPCC.
In a statement, the charity said: ‘All the players and singers will be able to choose whether to sing or play their instruments. We’ve even had parts transcribed for clarinets and saxophones – instruments not invented in Handel’s time. Jersey’s Covid guidance has remained intransigent.
‘There has been no return to singing of any kind, other than one-to-one lessons, throughout this period. Charities are deprived of their income from Christmas concerts and carol singing; choirs are on their knees as members report loss of vocal form, and there will be no carols this Christmas.
‘We are hoping to bring singers together and make an event that will bring a sense of community to our singers and bring fun, music and laughter to our Christmas.’
Choir members are said to be ‘committed to alleviating the suffering of those who are isolated, lonely or vulnerable this Christmas’ and will be streaming a ‘12 Days of Christmas’ project into care homes featuring local musicians. The group is also planning to release a Christmas single of John Rutter’s Candlelight Carol, featuring a children’s chorus and raising money for Age Concern.
Tickets for the Messiah performance, which is due to start at 6pm on 13 December, cost £10 for adults and £5 for children and students and can be purchased online at eventbrite.co.uk/e/123997402569.
Donations can also be made to the choir’s fundraising at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/john-bowley?utm_term=5dkAvjBde.
