Wild Arts | Handel Messiah

Following their sell-out performances in 2023, 2024 and 2025, Wild Arts returns to Chichester Cathedral with their trademark fresh and innovative approach to Handel's legendary telling of the Christmas story this December.

Event details

Tickets
£65 | £45 | £35 | £15 (unreserved seats in the side aisle, mostly with restricted view) Any seat £15 for everyone under 25
Date
Monday 14 December 2026, 19:00
Venue
Chichester Cathedral
Category
Concerts, Music
Book now

Monday 14 December, 7pm 
Chichester Cathedral 

"The jewel in Wild Arts’ crown. A supple, energetic interpretation that thrillingly delivers the story as if the performers have just discovered it... Exquisite, moving, and exuberant."

The Arts Desk

One of the most beloved choral works ever written, Messiah has captivated audiences for nearly three centuries with its glorious choruses, radiant arias and moving storytelling. From the joyful "For Unto Us a Child Is Born" to the triumphant "Hallelujah Chorus", Handel's music combines breathtaking beauty with extraordinary emotional power.

This December, Wild Arts returns to Chichester Cathedral for a fourth time with this acclaimed dramatised version. Eight exceptional singers perform the entire work from memory with staging devised by theatre and opera director Tom Morris (Breaking the Waves, Dr Semmelweis, War Horse). With singers moving around the Cathedral and amongst the audience, the production strips away the barriers between performers and audience, allowing the drama of Handel's masterpiece to emerge with remarkable immediacy.

Accompanied by the musicians of the Wild Arts Ensemble on period instruments and directed from the harpsichord by Wild Arts' Artistic Director Orlando Jopling, this compelling production has earned standing ovations across the country. Combining world-class musicianship with vivid storytelling, it offers a fresh perspective on one of the greatest works in the choral repertoire, whether you know the work well, or are discovering it for the first time.

"Riveting and dramatic... The musical direction from the harpsichord by Orlando Jopling is fastidiously authentic — his excellent minimum-forces band of period instrumentalists embellish their lines and phrase beguilingly throughout."

Richard Morrison, The Times

Ellie Neate and Joanna Songi soprano 
Catherine Backhouse and Martha Jones mezzo soprano 
Guy Elliott and Sam Harries tenor 
Timothy Nelson baritone 
Michael Ronan bass

The Wild Arts Ensemble
Directed from the harpsichord by Orlando Jopling 

Duration: approx. 2 hours 25 minutes including interval

A bar will be open to serve pre-concert and interval drinks.

FAQs

What facilities are at the Cathedral?
  • Toilet facilities are available in the Cathedral (including an accessible toilet with changing facilities).
  • Ramps throughout the Cathedral allow step-free access.
  • A bar will be available in the Cathedral serving pre-concert and interval drinks
  • Food and drink is also available for eat-in or takeaway from Cloisters Kitchen & Garden (open daily from 9.00am - 5.00pm).
How do I get to the Cathedral?
  • The Cathedral is in the heart of Chichester, close to the Market Cross, the centrepoint of the City’s main pedestrianised shopping streets. The Cathedral’s postcode is PO19 1RP.
  • By car, approach from the M27 (A27) and turn northwards at one of the bypass roundabouts following signs for the city centre. Visitors arriving by car should aim for one of the many public car parks around the City.
  • The Cathedral is less than a 10 minute walk from Chichester’s Train Station, and is opposite a bus stop.
Is the Cathedral accessible?
General Access

Level access into the Cathedral is available through the South West Door, which is marked 40 on the Cathedral Plan.

Within the Cathedral and the Cathedral precincts there are ramps for easy level access. The Cathedral has three wheelchairs which may be used, free of charge, on a first-come first-served basis. 

Toilets

Toilet facilities are available in the North Transept opposite the Treasury(including an accessible toilet with changing facilities).

Parking

There are a limited number of Accessible parking spaces situated on the approach to the Cathedral via West Street. These spaces can be used free of charge provided the vehicle is displaying a blue badge. 

For further information on Accessible parking in Chichester please click here.

Dogs

Only Guide, Therapy and Assistance Dogs are welcome in the Cathedral for events.

If you are planning a visit to the Cathedral and have any questions regarding access please contact us, 01243 782595 or info@chichestercathedral.org.uk

Can you help with my ticket?

Please note that Chichester Cathedral is not responsible for the Box Office for this event. For ticketing queries, please contact info@wildarts.org.uk