Last weekend was the 38th consecutive performance of Handel's Messiah here in Harare by the Marden Singers (local choir) and my second annual performance. While the music is of course familiar the setting is a bit different - a beautiful 90 degree day with no air con (as it is called here). It made for one sweaty performance!
The (mostly white) audience was highly appreciative despite the long first half (an hour and a half) and the firm benches they were sitting on. Tea of course is served at the "interval" (I was told that drinking hot tea cools you off) and wine and cheese were served afterwards.
I was happy to see some representation from the US Embassy community this year - even the Ambassador and his wife were at the first performance. Previous musical events have not had any embassy attendance so it was a pleasant change. Hopefully there will be even more at the next big event - when Abigail will be a soloist with the Harare Chamber Orchestra!
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