Inverness volunteer music effort helps Highland Hospice
An event that offered people the chance to get involved in performing one of the most famous musical works of all time also raised more than £1000 for Highland Hospice.
D James Ross and Sue Lightman organised 'Messiah for All II', a follow-up to last year’s ‘Messiah for All’ under the auspices of the Inverness Symphony Orchestra.
Featuring the best bits of Handel's masterpiece as a workshop held on January 11 in Inverness Cathedral, nearly 250 singers signed up along with an orchestra of 45 players - all of whom donated their services - and five local soloists.
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James said: "The day was made up of a chorus rehearsal in the morning, a full rehearsal with orchestra and soloists in the afternoon and the performance in the evening.
“The public performance saw the cathedral packed with 600 people. As it had sold out so quickly, we decided to open the afternoon rehearsal to the public, again collecting for Highland Hospice."
Altogether the event raised £1038.
Working with a number of ensembles, over the years James has now raised more than £9000 for Highland Hospice.
He added: "Huge thanks to Sue and our umbrella organisation the Inverness Symphony Orchestra, and to everyone who ventured out through the hard frost and snow, to make the event such a resounding success.
“With another of my ensembles, 'Three's Company', we are already planning our next event in aid of the hospice, which will be held in Nairn in March.”
Highland Hospice fundraiser Carrie Macdonald said: "We are so grateful to James and Sue and to all those who donated their time and skills to the Messiah for All II event.
“To have raised a total of £9000 for us over the years is just incredible, and a wonderful boost to those who need our care and services across the Highlands."
For further information about the 'Messiah for All' project, and sponsorship opportunities with the umbrella organisation, the Inverness Symphony Orchestra, contact Sue Lightman: suelightman@gmail.com
