South Devon Choir is saying farewell to its long-time and highly talented Music Director and conductor John Hobbs, with his own choice of concert programme. John, well known as a bass-baritone who regularly sings leading roles with the Duchy Opera of Cornwall, has led the South Devon Choir for 12 years. His final conducting role with the Choir is Handel’s oratorio, Judas Maccabaeus, to be performed at St Marychurch Parish Church, Torquay. It will feature fellow professional singers Lorna Anderson (soprano), Rebecca Smith (mezzo soprano), Arthur Swan (tenor) and Tim Mirfin (bass), as well as the Festival Orchestra.
John chose this oratorio for his farewell concert with the Choir. He said, “This is Handel at his very best, with wonderful solos, such as ‘Arm, arm, ye brave’, ‘Sound an alarm!’ and ‘So shall the lute and harp awake’, as well as the beautiful duet for soprano and alto, ‘O lovely peace’. There are splendid choruses – the most famous being ‘See, the conquering hero comes’ – with not a dull moment in the whole work.”
John commented that, though not so frequently performed as Handel’s Messiah, Judas Maccabaeus was a work he always enjoys. It tells the story behind the Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, celebrating the Jewish rebellion, led by Judas, against the Greek Seleucid Empire. Their eventual victory won back the independence of Judea, the Temple of Jerusalem, and their right to observe their religion.
Following the concert, which starts at the earlier time of 7.00pm, the Choir is holding a short reception in honour of John in the neighbouring Parish Hall, to which everyone is welcome. Tickets for the concert can be purchased by calling 01803 846 058 or online southdevonchoir.org/tickets. Separate tickets for the reception (£5 - no concessions) must be purchased in advance.
