The final event of Mayor Rebekah Gilbert’s term was a scratch Messiah, which gathered together about 50 people from Rye and around. There was a three-hour rehearsal with doors opening at 6:30pm and the concert beginning at 7pm.
The quality of the performance belied the makeshift composition of the choir and the lack of practice. It was hard to believe that such music emanated from such a group. It was clear that there must have been a considerable amount of experience within the team.
Sandra Lanigan, one of the performers said: “A lot of credit has to be given to our conductor Anne Whiteman who was brilliant. It was no mean feat to take charge of such a motley group of singers, but she held it together in an amazing way making it a real fun experience.”
This event was two years in the making having been intended to be the first in a succession, marking Rebekah’s mayoralty, but the pandemic put a stop to the original plan.
Donations were taken on the door for the charities Rebekah supports – free music lessons on the Rye Wurlitzer and grants for young people starting businesses via the Rye Old Scholars Association.
Image Credits: Seana Lanigan .