Details

Handel's famous oratorio - the story of Jesus' life told in magnificent music. The Royal Choral Society presents its renowned Good Friday performance of Handel's 'Messiah' for the 133rd consecutive year, featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a renowned line-up of soloists. The Royal Choral Society's annual performance of Handel's Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall has established itself as one of the defining interpretations of Great Britain's favourite choral masterpiece and has been performed on Good Friday for over 133 years in London's greatest concert venue. The choir performed Messiah in its very first season - 1873/4, but it was in 1878, with 1,000 singers under the baton of Joseph Barnby, that the Easter tradition was established. It is thought that the Royal Choral Society has sung the work more than any other choir - something over 265 times. There have also been a number of recordings, most recently in 1994 with the RPO conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes.

Cast/Performers

Richard Pearce (organist), Julia Doyle (soprano), Louise Poole (mezzo soprano), Jamie MacDougall (tenor), Derek Welton (bass baritone)

Creatives/Company

Music: Handel
Company(s): Royal Choral Society, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Richard Cooke