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Classical Music

Messiah: London Christmas 2022 performances of Handel's oratorio

By Claudia Pritchard on 12/11/2022

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.

WHEN

Sun 4 Dec 2022, 6PM

WHERE

Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ

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.

WHEN

Sun 4 Dec 2022, 7:30PM

WHERE

Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX

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.

WHEN

Tues 6 Dec 2022, premiere performance, with one interval, 7:30PM

WHERE

Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Catherine Street, London , WC2B 5JF

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.

WHEN

Tues 6 Dec 2022, 7PM

WHERE

St Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ

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.

WHEN

Wed 14 Dec 2021, 2PM & 7PM

WHERE

Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington SW7 2AP

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

WHEN

Fri 16 Dec 2022, 7PM

WHERE

Barbican Hall, Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS

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).

WHEN

Thurs 22 Dec, 7:30PM

WHERE

St James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9LL

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

Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Festival Hall

Handel's Messiah: The Live Experience

The Sixteen, St Martin in the Fields

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Albert Hall

Academy of Ancient Music, Barbican

Bach, Corelli and Handel by Candlelight, St James's Piccadilly

Handel

Messiah

Christmas

Royal Festival Hall

Barbican

St Martin in the Fields

Cadogan Hall

Philharmonia

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Mary Bevan

William Thomas

Nicky Spence

Danielle de Niese

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