Handel's Messiah returns for 2026 Community Performance

The Community Messiah workshop and performance is back by popular demand for a second year!

Last year, Dinyar Cooper organised the scratch performance to support Catching Lives, and raised an incredible total of more than £5,000. This year, the performance returns at a new venue, St Dunstan's Church in Cranbrook.

If you would like to be a part of the performance, you can join the Foundling Choir by completing the registration form and making a minimum donation of £20, and then turn up on the morning of 15th November for a workshop rehearsal, full rehearsal with orchestra and early evening performance.

Last year's performance of Handel's Messiah in Tenterden

The choir will be accompanied by a hand-picked band of Kent's finest amateur and professional musicians, The St Dunstan's Orchestra. The professional directors are:

• Choral Workshop conductor is the angelic Matilda Dawes

• Performance conductor is the effervescent Flo Peycelon

• St Dunstan's Orchestra Leader is the warm hearted Clare Haythornthwaite

If you would like to be considered for a solo, please let us know when registering.

You can join us on the evening to enjoy the performance by purchasing tickets via this link. Advance tickets are £8 each.

For those taking part in the performance on November 15th, the programme outline is as follows:

9.30-12.00 Choral Rehearsal (TBC in Cranbrook village)

9.30-12.00 Orchestral Rehearsal (TBC in Cranbrook village)

12.00-14.00 Lunch break

14.00-16.30 Full Rehearsal at St Dunstan's Church, Cranbrook

18.30 Performance at St Dunstan's Church, Cranbrook

All funds donated for the performance and tickets are going directly to Catching Lives and Dinyar is personally funding the day, so there can be no refunds for cancellation or other reasons. Rest assured your donation has gone to a good cause!

If you have any questions about the performance, please get in touch with georgia@catchinglives.org