Musical link with the past

Oct 3 2008 by Jenny Roche, Chester Chronicle

THE Friends of St Oswald’s Church in Malpas will be presenting a musical treat.

The Border Singers of Whitchurch and the Shropshire Sinfonietta will perform Handel’s Messiah in the church on Saturday, November 22, directed by Simon Davies.

The performance will provide a musical link to the past.

The painting which hangs above the chancel arch in St Oswald’s is Francis Hayman’s Peter denying Christ, his largest surviving religious painting.

It was presented to the church by Penn Assheton Curzon MP, who bought it at the sale of his grandparents’ estate, Iscoyd Park in Flintshire (and in the former Malpas ecclesiastical parish), in 1778.

So, as the Hallelujah Chorus resounds through St Oswald’s on Saturday, November 22, it should create a historical echo to what is surely the world’s favourite piece of choral music.

Tickets are £12.50, which includes a programme and glass of wine (under 16s admission is free).

For tickets or further information, ring 01948 861034 or 01948 861166.