YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY and SAINT MICHAEL’S SINGERS, COVENTRY

YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY ORCHESTRA

CONDUCTOR: DAVID PIPE

The story of the Israelites’ escape from servitude in Egypt will be told again when York Musical Society (YMS) is joined by the Saint Michael’s Singers from Coventry. The two choirs will join forces for a performance of Handel’s mighty oratorio, Israel in Egypt, on Saturday 1 April.

Using biblical texts from Exodus and Psalms, the 280-year-old work tells how Moses was able to lead the Israelites out of Egypt after God sent a whole series of plagues – frogs and flies and everything else – to force the Egyptians to let them go. Large choruses and thrilling music describe the chaos, including the parting of the Red Sea.

The Saint Michael’s Singers last sang with YMS in November 2014 when they together presented an outstanding Verdi’s Requiem at York Minster and Coventry Cathedral.

Soloists: Ruth Holton (soprano), Julie Cooper (soprano), Nicholas Hariades (countertenor), Nathan Vale (tenor), Richard Bannan (baritone) and Jonathan Sells (baritone)

Tickets: £20–£10 (Concessions Available, Under 12s free with full paying adult)

www.yorkmusicalsociety.org.uk

York Press reviews for YMS:

“The Dies Irae always hits the spot, but with forces unleashed by this massive choir, orchestra and the Minster acoustic, the sense of power radiating from the score was awesome.” – Verdi Requiem, November 2014

“Ensemble, dynamics and connection with David Pipe were impressively consistent and accurate; no mean feat for such a large group.” – Orff Carmina Burana, June 2016