Storm Deirdre failed to put a halt to the anniversary performance by one of the island’s oldest choirs.

Despite the strong winds and rain, a large audience turned to witness the Manx Festival Chorus’ celebration of their 50th anniversary, which they marked with a Christmas performance, of Handel’s Messiah at St George’s Church, on the evening of Saturday, December 15.

This concert was a reprise of their first ever concert, which was held in December 1968, at the Villa Marina.

Members of the choir were quick to praise their conductor, John Bethell, who initiated the creation of the choir 50 years ago, and is still the conductor and musical director today.

Secretary of the Manx Festival Chorus, Dylis Watson, paid tribute to John, and his efforts to attend and conduct the concert, after ill health nearly forced him to pull out.

’Congratulations to John Bethell on 50 continuous years as musical director of the Manx Festival Chorus who, despite currently receiving treatment for an illness at Noble’s Hospital, managed to get to church and celebrate his time as conductor,’ said Dylis.

’The concert was a tribute to John Bethell’s dedication and musicianship and was enjoyed by a very appreciative audience.’

The Manx Festival Chorus were joined by a series of guest musicians, including the award-winning local soprano singer Ruth Tickle and bass vocalist Graham Crowe, along with the UK singers Adrienne Murray and Christopher Littlewood.

They were accompanied by the musicians, church organist Nicholas Roberts and trumpeter Matt Creer, whose father Bill Creer is a singer in the chorus.