Details

The OAE is much more than one of the world's pre-eminent period instrument ensembles. It works regularly with conductors who specialise in both early music and the modern repertoire, and has explored the work of composers from Bach to Mahler, Handel to Borodin. In 1784 Handel's visionary, ecstatic Messiah was revived in a huge performance at Westminster Abbey, an event that ensured its still iconic status. Today, we often take it for granted that musicians perform classical music from all ages - from Monteverdi right up to the present day, but that wasn't always the case. In the past, music was much more disposable (dare we say it, a little like some of today's pop music). Things were performed, became briefly popular and then disappeared. However, London became one of the first places to look back at the history of music, when Handel's glorious Messiah was revived in 1784, ensuring the work it's legendary, iconic status. Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment website.

Cast/Performers

Timothy Mead (countertenor), John Mark Ainsley (tenor), Matthew Brook (bass)

Creatives/Company

Company(s): Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Choir of the Enlightenment
Director: Robert Howarth