The Messiah was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742 and was an immediate success. Handel had been writing oratorios since 1720 and was an established composer of this genre, but it was in Messiah that Handel placed the chorus most prominently to the fore, in a work that abounds in superb music.
The work is in three parts. Part 1 takes the audience from the prophecies to the birth of Christ. Part 2 is the dramatic heart of the work, telling of Christ’s passion, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension and ends on a gloriously optimistic note with the Hallelujah chorus. Part 3 consists entirely of reflective commentary, principally on the resurrection and the theme of Christian redemption.
It is remarkable that this masterpiece was composed in just 24 days. More than 275 years have passed since its first performance, yet Messiah remains one of the most loved, well known and powerful pieces of choral music in the western world.
PLEASE NOTE:
Seating in the cathedral will NOT be socially distanced.
We would encourage the use of face masks and on arrival you will be asked to register using the Test and Trace QR code.
We ask everyone to respect each other's private space when moving around the Cathedral and to not attend the concert if:
- you have symptoms / feel unwell;
- you have tested positive for COVID-19 (PCR or Lateral flow);
- you have been told to self isolate;
- someone you have close contact with has tested positive;
- you are quarantining after a visit abroad.
ONLINE BOOKING (for tickets and programmes) WILL CLOSE at MIDNIGHT on the day before the concert, 14 JANUARY 2021. We would encourage you to order a programme from Ticket Source when you buy your ticket. You will be able to exchange the token for a programme from the stewards without the need for a cash transaction.
Tickets are also available to buy from THE NOVIUM up until 12.00 on the day of the concert.
There will be dedicated seats available for WHEELCHAIR USERS and accompanying companions will be allocated a FREE ticket.
A few tickets will be also be available to buy on the door on the evening of the concert.