St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Berry was packed to the rafters and more, with some 50 choir members, seven instrumentalists, four soloists and musical director Lesley Challender delighting the audience with powerful, emotional, uplifting singing.

Despite the threat of rain, the only real onset was at the very beginning of the performance, when the southerly change with high winds and some rain brought performers and audience scurrying to their seats.

The applause at the end clearly indicated the pleasure of the audience in hearing the full Messiah again in the Shoalhaven.

On Sunday, December 3 the performance in the Nowra School of Arts was also fully booked.

With a beautiful organ from All Organs Australia brought in for the day, the sound was breathtaking, the choir relaxed and smiling, the audience equally appreciative.

This two day musical marathon was in part to celebrate The Lydians 40th anniversary.

The choir was formed 40 years ago in November 1977, by the late Don Dudgeon. Only one of the founding members, Noni Rogan, still sings with the choir, but new members bring renewed vigour to the choir each year. New members are always welcomed.

The Messiah will be presented again just before Easter in 2018.

It will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at St Martin’s Anglican Church in Ulladulla and Sunday, March 4 at Ss Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church in Kiama.

Book at TryBooking.com.au  For further information see www.lydiansingers.org.au, or call president Alison on 0410 127 294.