By Christy Parker | Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

The renowned Killeagh Choir will perform Part 1 (Advent and Christmas stories plus the Hallelujah Chorus) of Handel’s Messiah at the local St. John the Baptist Church on Sunday and Monday next (Dec 14/15th). It will be the first group’s first time attempting the complicated work. The concert is being organised by local producer Mary Pedder Daly, who will also conduct the performance.

Killeagh’s 45 strong choir is drawn from across East and West Cork and even into Co. Tipperary. The Messiah will feature Tenor Robert Beare from Bandon, Michael McGowan (Bass, also Bandon), Sopranos Angela Hartnett Davis (Conna), Winnie Daly O’Connor (Killeagh) and altos Theresa O’Sullivan (Whitechurch) and Geraldine Landers (Killeagh)

The Messiah is a presentation of Jesus’ life and its significance, according to Christian doctrine. It’s content is drawn from Old Testament, Prophets’ and Jewish chronicles and much controversy and difficulty surrounded its premiere in Dublin in 1742. Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Jonathan Swift had temporarily cancelled and insisted it be renamed A Sacred Oratorio, to lessen blasphemous overtones. No such difficulties are predicted for the Killeagh production!

The choir hopes to perform Part 2 (Christ’s Passion, Resurrection, Ascension) at the 170 year-old Church next Easter. Meantime Christmas performances are on Sunday 14th December, 3pm and Monday 15th, 7.30pm Admission is €15 and €10 concessions. Group rate is €75. Booking in advance from Coleman’s newsagency, (024) 95191