Children First Fund
The Guelph Chamber Choir
“Inspired choral music to stir the human spirit”
That is the vision statement of the Guelph Chamber Choir, a statement that could just as easily be attributed to Handel as he composed Messiah in the heat of inspiration during a mere 24 days in 1741. The first performance, which was given on April 13, 1742, in a theatre in Dublin, was to benefit three charities—debt relief, the Mercer's Hospital and the Charitable Infirmary. Gentlemen were requested to remove their swords, and ladies were asked not to wear hoops in their dresses, so great was the attendance. In 1750 annual charity performances of Messiah were instituted at the Foundling Hospital in London which continued even after Handel died in 1759.
The choir is very pleased to collaborate with Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County in this new project that is solidly in the tradition of Handel’s charity performances at the Foundling Hospital. Instead of charging admission, we will solicit donations at the concert. All donations will be directed to the Children First Fund in support of youth who wish to pursue post-secondary education programs while also transitioningfrom foster care to living independently. Well over half of the members of the Guelph Chamber Choir are involved in education of one form or another so this project is particularly meaningful to them.
To the familiar saying that “it takes a whole village to raise a child” we can add “it takes a whole community to further the education of a child.” What better way to further the education of young people who don’t enjoy the parental support of most children than by singing choruses from Messiah together with a first-class professional orchestra. Members of the Choir will be seated among the audience in the beautiful environs of St. George’s Anglican Church ready to “stir the human spirit.”
There is no admission cost for this concert so do come and join us for a marvellous afternoon of community music-making. However, in keeping with the season, please be prepared to be generous in giving, as you are able, to the Children First Fund.
Gerald Neufeld, Conductor, Guelph Chamber Choir
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