Opera

Georg Friedrich Händel

Messiah

18 Dec, 26

Musical conductor
Justin Doyle

Orchestra
Akademie für Alte Musik

Chorus
RIAS Kammerchor

To the Teatro Real comes Handel’s Messiah, considered to be one of the most iconic works in the entire history of music and now established as a Christmas tradition. This Baroque oratorio, which, through its score, recounts the basic episodes in the life of Christ, will be performed by the RIAS chamber choir and the Akademie für Alte Musik, both from Berlin, conducted by Justin Doyle, and a solo quartet comprising Tim Mead, Julia Doyle, Thomas Hobbs and Roderick Williams.

Oratorio in three acts, HWV 56.

Music by Georg Friedrich Händel (1685-1759).

Libretto by Charles Jennens, after texts from Old Testament, compiled from the King James Bible (1611) and the Psalter from the Coverdale Bible (1535).

Premiered at Great Music Hall (Dublin) on 13 april 1742.

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Artistic Team

Musical conductor Justin Doyle
Orchestra Akademie für Alte Musik
Chorus RIAS Kammerchor

Cast

Soprano Julia Doyle Dec - 18

Contratenor Tim Mead Dec - 18

Tenor Thomas Hobbs Dec - 18

Bajo Roderick Williams Dec - 18

Language

English

Surtitles in

English, Spanish

Synopsis and more information

Part I – The prophecy and birth

The arrival of the promised Messiah is announced with Old Testament texts speaking of hope and light. Then, the birth of Jesus is celebrated, presented as the fulfilment of those prophecies.

Part II – Passion, death and resurrection

The suffering of Christ, his sacrifice and his triumph over death are described. After this, the music swells to proclaim his glory and the Christian message, culminating in the famous “Hallelujah”, celebrating his Kingdom of Heaven.

Part III – Redemption and eternal life

The work concludes with a meditation on the final resurrection, victory over death and the promise of salvation for humanity, ending with the powerful “Amen” chorus.