SINGERS from the Vale of Clwyd will be performing Handel’s Messiah for Easter.

Wrexham’s magnificent St Giles' Church will host a performance by the Vale of Clwyd Singers of Handel’s Messiah and his famous Zadok The Priest on Saturday, April 13.

All will be music written for monarchs.

Written at the pinnacle of his long career, Handel wrote The Messiah in just three weeks and conducted its first performance on the same day – April 13 – in 1742.

While this is its 257th birthday, April 13 is also the birthday of the Vale of Clwyd Singers’ conductor Professor Robert Sells.

“This special concert will include all The Messiah’s best bits,” said Professor Sells.

“Handel’s glorious outburst marks the crucifixion, then his Hallelujah chorus celebrates Jesus’ resurrection and rising to Heaven.

“Traditionally we rise to our feet for this.

"Do we do this to relieve our stiff limbs and restore circulation?

"Not a bit of it!

“It goes back to its performance for King George in Westminster Abbey, who was woken by the shattering entry of trumpets and drums.

“He stood up, thinking it was the National Anthem. When The King stands, we all stand!”

Music fit for a Queen will also feature in the concert, with Purcell’s ‘Funeral Prayers’ for Queen Mary in 1695 being sung.

“The Oscar-winning film The Favourite features Purcell’s Trumpet Sonata so people will already have a flavour of the style,” said Robert.

“Purcell loved the music so much it was played at his own funeral later that year."

The concert also features Handel’s fabulous anthem Zadok The Priest, composed for another monarch, King George II, for his coronation in 1727.

Tickets for the concert are £12 on the door at St Giles’ Church and from the Theatr Clwyd box office on 01352 701521.