I live near Chester, where Handel tried out Messiah on his way to Holyhead to catch the boat. He was not impressed by the Cathedral Choir, having been told that they could sight read. "Yes but not at first sight" was apparently their reply (about how I feel too).

2 years ago, having wanted to for 50 years I went to a singing day to sing Messiah. I'd discovered you could learn the alto line on youtube, so took courage. The cut that I was disappointed at was "Let us Break their Bonds" - a splendid alto line.