world in an unprecedented global performance of Handel's "Messiah''.

And, at the same time, Premier Pamela Gordon will exchange greetings by trans-Atlantic phone link with the Chief Minister of the Falkland Islands, also taking part in the mega-event which is being staged at 7.30 in each global time zone to raise awareness -- and money -- for hospices around the world.

In Bermuda, a total of 14 soloists, 160 voices drawn from more than 30 choirs around the Island and a 40-piece orchestra under the baton of Bermuda Philharmonic Society director Graham Garton will be taking part, along with 504 other groups from 74 countries. "The whole thing starts in New Zealand, working its way, time-wise, around the world,'' he explains. "We are performing at the same time as the Falklands and eastern Argentina as we are in the same time zone.'' "The setting,'' says Agape House coordinator Hilary Soares,"will be spectacular -- in the Keep Yard of the Maritime Museum at Dockyard and our guests of honour will be Governor Thorold Masefield and Mrs. Masefield. I believe that Bermuda is the only country that's staging its concert out of doors. We are praying for fine weather, but shall go ahead, come rain or shine.'' British Telecom is the sponsor and organiser for this world-wide event, which is entitled `Voices for Hospice'. This year, in recognition of their advocacy of hospice care, the overall event is dedicated to the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales and Mother Teresa, both of whom recently died within just one week of each other. BBC World Service Radio will be broadcasting at least part of the event live.

"We decided, about 18 months ago, to participate in this event which takes place every three years and has really gained momentum now,'' says Mr. Garton.

"I was invited to be musical director and we circulated all the local choirs and churches, asking them to take part.

"The response has been excellent. Besides donating their services, all the performers are also donating $10 each for the `prvilege' of performing! I understand that participating countries could stage any kind of musical concert, so long as it included the `Hallelujah Chorus', and some places are doing that. We decided, however, to do the whole thing -- or almost. Our performance will take about two hours and will be sound-enhanced, as it's out of doors. We are all set for what I think will be a very fine and moving performance. Only a hurricane could stop it taking place!'' Noting that the choirs have been rehearsing since the beginning of September, Mr. Garton says that although anyone could volunteer for the choir, soloists were auditioned. "We chose 14 people in the end, ranging from Vernelda Perinchief who is only 15, to Peter Nash, who is one of Bermuda's most accomplished singers.'' He is thrilled, too, with the quality of the orchestra which is composed of musicians from the Menuhin Foundation, the Bermuda Philharmonic Orchestra and various freelance players, plus some instrumentalists from overseas which cannot be provided locally.

"We have a new solo trumpeter, Timothy Rhodes, who will play the `Trumpets Shall Sound'. I would like to mention, also, that the `Hallelujah Chorus' is the focal point of the whole work and we would expect people to stand for that -- it's a tradition.'' Noting that Cable & Wireless are the local financial sponsors, Mrs. Soares says Agape House is hoping to at least break even. "Although everyone is donating their services, we still have to pay for such things as tents, `porter-loos' and so on. This time around, we are really pushing the hospice awareness angle, but of course, any contributions will be gratefully received.

"Next time, in 2000, the event will probably be the major fund raiser. We are very grateful for Cable & Wireless's sponsorship and to organisations such as the Junior Service League, Sandys Rotary Club and, of course, to the Bermuda Maritime Museum.'' A video will be made of the performance and sent to London where a special Christmas broadcast will be presented, featuring extracts from various countries around the world. It is hoped this will be shown on local TV.

Mrs. Soares suggests that people should bring sweaters or jackets and possibly blankets or chairs for the unreserved section.

Voices for Hospice takes place in the Keep of the Bermuda Maritime Museum this Saturday, October 18. Please arrive by 7 p.m. for 7.30 commencement. Tickets at $20 or unreserved at $10 are available from Opus 1 on Reid Street, Sandys Rotary members, Agape House, or at the door.

HALLELUJAH FOR HOSPICE -- Conductor Graham Garton will direct more than 200 performers in the open air performance at Dockyard of `The Messiah''.