The question everybody asks about performances of Handel’s Messiah is, “Was it a traditional one?”

Well, the date (a Good Friday evening) was unusual, though appropriate, but the performance by the joint Worthing Choral Society and Philharmonic Choir, and the Arun Sinfonia, was old-fashioned, at least in the numbers (approximately 125) of the massed choir, singing under the baton of Aedan Kerney.

However, this was anything but a dull and dreary performance. The choir was alert, the Sinfonia responsive (with superb continuo playing) and speeds brisk so the drama of Handel’s music (virtually complete) was emphasised. Over three hours the pace never flagged, such was the skill of the conducting.

This dynamic approach meant the more reflective and spiritual side of the music was downplayed, though not in the alto solo He Was Despised which was beautifully sung by Heather Cairncross, one of four distinguished soloists.

Mention should also be made of David Brown, who ably stepped in at the last moment to sing the tenor part, and the stentorian young bass, Oliver Dunn.

Rightly, too, the most venerable tradition of all was maintained. The audience was requested to stand for the most celebrated chorus of all: “Hallelujah!”