I played first trumpet in a sold out performance of Handel’s Messiah in the quire of Canterbury Cathedral on Saturday 2nd December 2023. It was, as the advertisements for the performance promised, ‘an intimate presentation of some of Handel’s most enduring music’.

I played first trumpet, with Will Russell (2nd trumpet), and Ben Fullbrook (timpani) in the section. The concert, part of the Canterbury Festival, featured the very excellent girl choristers and lay clerks of Canterbury Cathedral, and was conducted by Dr David Newsholme (Director of Music). The fantastic soloists included Rebecca Hardwick (soprano), Alex Simpson (alto) and Nick Mulroy (tenor), and I performed ‘The Trumpet Shall Sound’ with an excellent bass soloist, Simon Thorpe.

It took place during a very cold spell—outside conditions were -2ºC for most of the day, dropping to -3ºC by the end of the performance. I was glad (for once) to be wearing tails, as they were nice and warm, and I was even wearing a pair of silver cufflinks that I made myself just a few days ago!