(portrait courtesy of the Handel Society)
George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759).........
(portrait courtesy of the Handel Society)
The Brickhills stretches from Great Brickhill in the West, across and south of Milton Keynes, embraces Woburn and surrounding villages, and reaches to Stewartyby in the East. The Brickhills have had over the years a long tradition of sacred choral music. Bow Brickhill Church was the setting for Thomas Webster’s painting of A Village Choir. Sir Sydney Nicholson, one time organist and choirmaster at Westminster Abbey knew Bow Brickhill well and wrote a hymn tune in its honour (Hymns Ancient and Modern, 215). Great Brickhill, Woburn and other churches in the area still retain impressive pipe organs. Choral traditions in Woburn and the surrounding area are very strong.
An annual performance of the Brickhills Messiah is becoming a part of this great local tradition. Musicians who are involved in the Brickhills Messiah are also presenting a series of concerts in local churches. In early May, a choral concert including Faure's marvellous requiem is planned, and in the summer,an ensemble instrumental concert
This year's Messiah takes place on the weekend of 20th and 21st of September. It is a great weekend - contact us if you would like to be involved. Last year's Messiah raised over £3000 for charity.