Errol Girdlestone conducted a thoroughly enjoyable performance of The Messiah last evening. This was at the Anglican church, Saint Paul's, in Monte-Carlo. The chaplain there, Father Walter Raymond, is a passionate music and opera lover. He promotes much musical activity there and clearly has an enthusiastic audience. The place was packed, and the proceeds went to Monaco Aide et Presence.
In addition to the regular chorus and orchestra assembled by Errol, we had the treat of a special guest double bass - Al Hume, one of the original Kings Singers! And his lawyer wife, Diana, sang with the sopranos. Al is an old friend of Errol's going back to their days in the St Paul's Cathedral Choir 40 plus years ago. And Al provided a rock solid bass foundation for the orchestra. Not bad for an old counter-tenor!
Al Hume and his double bass at St Paul's, Monte-Carlo
Errol had assembled an excellent quartet of soloists, a standout being the tenor Olivier Dumait. And the bass Thomas Dear was a real bass, and did a fine job.
There was torrential rain here yesterday. And the sun is out today - so I will will revisiting some old haunts for the first time since I left here in early 1997. First stop this morning will be the Maeght Foundation.
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