Performances of Handel's Messiah during the Christmas season, are annual events around the UK. English choirs fill Cathedrals and concert halls with the well known work and, even when Handel's Messiah is not performed in its entirety, the well known first part - which includes the Hallelujah chorus, is sung.
If you are going to be in England in December, several outstanding annual productions are worth marking your calendar for.
An 18th Century Orchestra in Portsmouth Cathedral
The Beatas Trinitas Baroque Orchestra performs the Messiah with the Portsmouth Cathedral Choir at Portsmouth Cathedral, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. For information and tickets ring +44 (0)2392 892962, Monday to Friday (10a.m. to noon and 2 to 4p.m.) or email the box office.St.Paul's - A Historic Link to The Messiah
When the Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral in London sing Handel's Messiah, they are linked to a tradition of nearly 250 years. The Choir of St. Paul's joined the Choir of Westminster Abbey and the Choir of the Chapel Royal to sing the work at Handel's own funeral - at the Abbey - in 1759. The concert, on Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m.(2008), features the Cathedral Choir and Chorus and the City of London Sinfonia. It is ticketed but free, by post from the Chapter House,London EC4M 8AD, on a first come first served basis.Download a leaflet of St. Paul's full Christmas schedule
Handel's Messiah at the Albert Hall
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with 500 massed voices of the Goldsmiths Choral Union, Highate Choral Society and the English Concert Chorus, Dec.13 and 18, 7:30 p.m., Book onlineFind out all about the Albert Hall's full Christmas Festival 2009, from December 13 to 24.
A Candlelight Messiah in Full Period Costume
The London Oriana Choir perform Handel's Messiah by candlelight in full period costume at the Royal Festival Hall on December 4 at 7:30 p.m. Book onlineWhere to Hear English Choirs and Chorales Sing Handel's Messiah in England
These churches and cathedrals usually have annual performances around Christmas, often by candlelight.- Bristol Cathedral The Emerald Ensemble and Bristol Cathedral Chamber Choir, Dec. 12,13, 7:30p.m. Telephone booking - Colston Hall Box Office, +44 (0)117 922 3686 or book online
- The Bury Bach Choir at the Church of St. Peter and St Paul, Lavenham A come and sing Christmas concert where you can join in. Parts of Handel's "Messiah" are included in the evening, Dec. 19 at 7;30p.m.
- Gloucester Cathedral Gloucester Choral Society Messiah, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.. To book, phone +44 (0)7729 912876 or book online.
- St. James's Church, Piccadilly in London. A Christmas Celebration by Candlelight. Music from the Messiah in a concert of mixed Christmas music, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m.with the Belmont Ensemble of the English Chamber Choir, tickets from St. Martin's in the Fields box office, +44 (0)207 766 1100, online or on the door.
- Worcester Cathedral Worcester Festival Choral Society, Dec.12, 7:30p.m. Booking information from the choral society website or telephone Worcester Box Office Live, +44 (0)1905 6114 27.
- St. Martin-in-the-Fields, in Trafalgar Square, London. The Belmont Ensemble perform the Messiah at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23. Tickets online. Handel actually played the organ at this famous church. So did Mozart.
