Handel’s Messiah returns for annual holiday concert

George Frederic Handel’s renowned work Messiah will be performed by the Vocal and Instrumental group Ristretto at St Paul’s Anglican Church just in time for the holidays.

First performed in 1742, Messiah is a large-scale narrative musical work for choir, vocal soloists and an orchestra that is considered to be one of the most outstanding musical masterpieces ever produced and has stood the test of time.

The work is in English and is typically performed during Advent in the run-up to Christmas. It is comprised of beautifully arranged choruses, dramatic arias and well-recognised melodies that combined make for a truly poignant performance. As popular today as it was more than 250 years ago, this rendition by Ristretto has come to be an essential date of the Christmas season in the Principality. 

Conducted by Errol Girdlestone, the performance will feature soprano Elenor Bowers-Jolley, violist Laura Margaret Smith, tenor Gavan Ring and bassist Simon Bailey.

The concert takes place on Saturday, 14th December at 7pm at St Paul’s at 22 Avenue de Grande Bretagne. Tickets are €30 and can be found at FNAC or online.