Messiah: London Christmas 2022 performances of Handel's oratorio
The Christmas story is told in grand choruses and virtuosic solos, sung by the finest artists and with thrilling instrumental playing
English Chamber Orchestra/VOCES8, Cadogan Hall
Handel would have recognised the chamber choir and orchestra that gives a fleet-of-foot performance of his oratorio. Nicholas Kraemer conducts and is joined by some of the new generation's most exciting soloists – soprano Zoë Brookshaw (pictured), countertenor James Laing, tenor Guy Cutting and bass-baritone Nicholas Mogg.
Read more ...Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Festival Hall
The combination of the English Concert Chorus, Highgate Choral Society and Goldsmiths Choral Union promises a stupendous sound in the great choruses of Handel's mighty oratorio. Brian Wright conducts the Philharmonia, and the soloists include soprano Mary Bevan (pictured), acclaimed as Handel's character Morgana in Covent Garden's Alcina, and baritone Jonathan Lemalu.
Read more ...Handel's Messiah: The Live Experience
An exciting new approach to Handel's oratorio brings the Christmas story to life with not only great solos, choruses and orchestral playing, but dramatic lighting and choreography. The English Chamber Orchestra and London Symphony Chorus under Gregory Batsleer are joined by star soloists Danielle de Niese, tenor Nicky Spence, mezzo-soprano Idunnu Münch (pictured) and bass Cody Quattlebaum. Unmissable.
Read more ...The Sixteen, St Martin in the Fields
In one of London's most beautiful churches, conductor Harry Christophers and his chamber choir and players give a historically informed performance of Handel's oratorio in a manner that the composer would recognise. Soloists are drawn from the 16 professional singers and the story-telling is central in this intimate performance. A really atmospheric occasion.
Read more ...Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Albert Hall
For this traditional annual performance, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Philharmonia Chorus under Eduardo Strausser are joined by soprano Ella Taylor, mezzo-soprano Angharad Lyddon, tenor Zwakele Tshabalala (pictured) and bass William Thomas. So popular, this one, that it is performed twice in one day.
Read more ...Academy of Ancient Music, Barbican
The first orchestra to record Messiah in a historically informed performance, back in 1980, the Academy of Ancient Music revisits Handel's great work with Laurence Cummings, directing from the harpsichord. Today's star soloists are soprano Amanda Forsythe, contralto Jess Dandy, tenor Stuart Jackson and in-demand bass William Thomas (pictured). There is a free pre-performance talk in the Barbican's Fountain Room at 6PM
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Bach, Corelli and Handel by Candlelight, St James's Piccadilly
In Sir Christopher Wren's architectural masterpiece, highlights from Messiah are blended with instrumental music by other baroque composers. The programme includes Bach's Air on a G String and Double Violin Concerto, with the Piccadilly Sinfonietta. Singers in numbers such as 'I know that my Redeemer liveth' include soprano Susan Parkes (pictured).
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