STROUD Subscription Rooms was packed with singers, instrumentalists and audience on Sunday evening to hear a performance of Handel’s Messiah in aid of Refugee Aid Stroud and Oxfam Refugee Crisis Emergency Response.

The scratch choir of 120 only came together on the Sunday morning to rehearse, under the baton of Hugh Barton, while the soloists practiced with the orchestra under Philippa Morgan.

The performers came mostly from the Stroud area, though some came from as far afield as Worcester, Cardiff, Cumbria, Bristol and Malmesbury.

In the evening the co-conductors alternated on the rostrum in a seamless way. The performance received a standing ovation from the audience.

Audience members - including some non-classical music fans - were enthusiastic, praising the sound and moving account of Handel’s iconic work.

Hannah Swain, Catherine Perfect, Richard Jeremy and Phil Brotherage were celebrated for their solos and the orchestra was led by Kate Street.

Every singer contributed £15 to the fund. Audience members added £600 ‘bucket’ collection as well as buying tickets. The total sum raised, once costs are paid, is in excess of £4,000.

This will be divided equally between Refugee Aid Stroud, which runs the Rasmachaz shop in Stroud High Street, and Oxfam Refugee Crisis – Emergency Response.

The event was sponsored by Nailsworth Quaker meeting, with administration by Meg and Eliot Walker.