Music: Messiah conducted for 50th time by Ken Rothery at Parkwood Methodist

Nov 19 2010 by Val Javin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HE is known as the town’s Mr Music and it is not hard to see why.

Kenneth Rothery has contributed much to Huddersfield’s musical life as a singer, conductor and teacher of young singers.

This Sunday, Ken chalks up another milestone in his remarkable career.

He will conduct the Come and Sing Messiah at Parkwood Methodist Church (November 21) for the 50th time.

Not surprisingly Ken has gathered around him as soloists some of those who have been closely connected with his musical life.

Those he has taught or sung alongside or conducted in organisations such as Huddersfield Choral Society or Holmfirth Choral Society are included.

Stephanie Ball will sing the solo soprano role in the concert which begins at 6.15pm. She sang in the Huddersfield Choral Youth Choir and is now much in demand as a soloist.

Ken taught another of our best known soloists Jane Hobson when she was what he describes as a star pupil at Kirkburton School. She too will be there to sing on Sunday.

Nigel Rothery will sing the bass solos and Roy Hirst, who sang with both Holmfirth Choral and Honley Gilbert and Sullivan Society, is the final soloist. Geoffrey Lockwood is the organist.

Singers and audience alike are welcome.

This is a milestone event for Ken and he would be delighted to see that special 50 marked by a good turnout.