Audience Will Stand For Hallelujah Chorus

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30602, 19 November 1964, Page 3

Audience Will Stand For Hallelujah Chorus

During this year’s presentation of the “Messiah” by the Christchurch Harmonic Society, the audience will be expected to stand during the (singing of the Hallelujah ; Chorus. This had always been | the custom in the society’s I presentations. There was no 'announcement nor any programme intimation but the i audience rose by common con-

sent, said the conductor (Mr W. R. Hawkey). An inquiry had been made in a letter to the editor of “The Press” by E. M. Goodchild, who wrote:— “The time must be drawing near for the presentation once again of the majestic ‘Messiah.’ 1 am wondering whether the same thing will happen as last year. “Is the audience expected to stand during the singing of the National Anthem (as it should) and yet be expected or requested to remain seated during the singing of praises of the ‘King of Kings, and Lord or Lords’ in the Hallelujah Chorus?

“To me that is the crowning glory of the whole presentation and surely, if the Queen is willing to give glory to One far above herself. her subjects should be ready and willing to do so also.”