A CHORAL society has celebrated its hundredth anniversary with a concert which featured the music of one the greatest composers of the Baroque era.

Handel’s Messiah resonated through the walls of St Nicholas Church in Harwich last Saturday, when almost a hundred residents showed up to mark the anniversary of the Harwich and Dovercourt Choral Society.

The Messiah concert was described as an “intensive spiritual experience”, which took visitors back in 1741 when the Ontario was composed.

Music lovers also had the chance to catch appearances from Mayflower Ensemble as well as guest soloists.

Nigel Spencer, deputy lord lieutenant of Essex, said: “Everyone stood for the Hallelujah chorus as tradition demanded, with many people silently mouthing the immortal words to the music which had given Handel such prominence.

“I felt the Amen chorus, which concluded the celebration, was a triumph.

“The Choral Society should be well pleased with this particular rendition for which they and the Ensemble gave their all in the cause of sacred music.

“They fully deserved the extended applause which they, with their hard working conductor Julie Harmer, fully deserved.”

If you want to join the society email dovercourtchoral@btinternet.com