It’s no surprise that Handel’s Messiah continues to draw audiences back year after year. There is nothing quite like it. Although the Hallelujah chorus has become the work’s calling card, Handel wrote every note to impress and astound his listeners. Its choruses are as grand as anything Handel ever composed, the solo writing profoundly moving, the drama powerful and compelling. Performed ‘the Dunedin way’ as Handel would have first heard it, with a small orchestra, a team of twelve singers and soloists who step out from the chorus, there are few more uplifting ways to celebrate the festive season.
George Frideric Handel Messiah, HWV 56
John Butt director
Nardus Williams soprano
Lotte Betts-Dean mezzo-soprano
Joshua Ellicott tenor
Dingle Yandell bass
running time approx 180 minutes (inc 20 min interval)
