Handel’s Messiah, conducted by Guy Jansen, Sacred Heart Cathedral, reviewed by Garth Wilshere

THIS year’s Messiah in Wellington was an imported presentation from the Kapiti Chamber Choir.
This performance was augmented by former members and friends of Bel Canto, a group originally set up by the director of the performance Guy Jansen, but which had disbanded in 1998.
They brought lively and pointed rhythms to their performance, supported by a good instrumental ensemble, with an appropriate string sound, good winds and bright trumpet playing.
Strong continuo organ and cello brought steadiness to the recitatives and when the church organ came in it brought power to the sound and climaxes as required.
Jansen’s tempi tended on the slow deliberate side at times and sometimes I would have preferred a lighter more incisive touch but the whole was enjoyable.
Solo lines and choruses were shared around with the Kapiti Choir working enthusiastically within their abilities, while the “more professional” Bel Canto semi-chorus tightened the ensemble.