MUSIC aficionados filled Fairplace Church last Saturday to enjoy a performance of one of the most famous choral works of all time.

Okehampton Choral Society performed Handel's Messiah, an English language oratorio composed in 1741, at their spring concert in the Church on Saturday, May 5.

Handel composed the work in just 24 days in the summer of 1741, and it is now remembered as his best-known work.

Debuting in Dublin on April 13 1742 and receiving its London premiere a year later, the piece initially received a modest public reception before growing in popularity to become one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music.

The performance with the Okement Chamber Orchestra was led by Paul Matthews, and directed by John Matthews.

The four visiting soloists for the performance were soprano Christine Marsden, mezzo soprano Rebecca Smith, Gordon Pike from Exeter Cathedral and John Hobbs, well known for his leadership of several Devon choral societies.