Messiahby George Frideric Handel
Ralph Allwood conducts a professional chamber choir, baroque orchestra and four soloists.
The sound of the season itself
Written in just 24 days in 1741 and first performed in Dublin the following year, Handel's Messiah has become the defining sound of the season — from the hushed opening of "Comfort ye" to the blaze of trumpets and timpani in the "Hallelujah" chorus. This December we bring it to four of the UK's most characterful venues in the scale Handel himself knew: a hand-picked professional chamber choir and the period instruments of the Brandenburg Baroque Soloists — close enough to hear every line.
Handel — Messiah
Handel's Messiah — the story of the Nativity, Passion and Redemption in music of irresistible drama and joy, performed on period instruments under the direction of Ralph Allwood MBE.
The defining sound of Christmas
From the tenderness of "Comfort ye" to the blaze of the "Hallelujah" chorus and the serene certainty of "I know that my Redeemer liveth" — Handel's masterpiece has never left the stage since its Dublin premiere in 1742.— Handel's Messiah — a living tradition
Conductor, Soloists & Ensemble
Former Director of Music at Eton College (1985-2011), founder of the Eton (now Rodolfus) Choral Courses, appointed MBE for services to choral music.
Orchestra · period instrumentsBrandenburg Baroque SoloistsPeriod-instrument players from the London-based Brandenburg family of ensembles - with the trumpets and timpani Handel himself called for.
A hand-picked professional chamber choir - singers of the calibre heard in Britain's leading cathedral and collegiate choirs, prepared and directed by Ralph Allwood.
Four remarkable venues
A cathedral, a Victorian concert room and two historic halls — each chosen for its acoustics and atmosphere.
Four evenings across England
Cheltenham · Guildford · Liverpool · Sheffield — choose your concert. Limited seating, book early.
Why see Messiah live
- A legendary choral conductor: Ralph Allwood MBE, former Director of Music at Eton College
- Messiah at Handel's scale: chamber choir, baroque orchestra with trumpets and timpani, four soloists
- Four remarkable venues: a cathedral, a Victorian concert room and two historic halls
- The sound of the season — the perfect way to begin Christmas
Good to know
How long is the concert?
Approximately 90 minutes. Doors open 45 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Who is performing?
A professional chamber choir and the Brandenburg Baroque Soloists on period instruments, with four soloists, conducted by Ralph Allwood MBE. Casting may occasionally vary by date.
Is late entry allowed?
Out of respect for guests and performers, late entry may not be permitted, and latecomers may be seated in a different category. We strongly recommend arriving early.
Can I choose my seat?
Seating depends on the venue and ticket category — details are shown on each event page at checkout.
Are tickets refundable?
Refund terms follow each ticketing provider's policy, shown at checkout on the event page.
