Monaco’s seasonal cultural calendar officially opens on Saturday 28th November, as the Ensemble Vocal et Instrumental Ristretto brings George Frideric Handel’s Messiah back to St Paul’s Anglican Church.

Long considered the Principality’s definitive winter masterpiece, Handel’s 1742 work will be performed in an intimate setting from 19:30 to 22:30.

International lineup takes centre stage

The performance will be conducted by British maestro Errol Girdlestone. A former English National Opera staff conductor and Oxford alumnus, Girdlestone founded the regional Ristretto ensemble in 2012 and has served as Director of Music at St Paul’s since 2020.

For this annual presentation, Girdlestone leads the full Ristretto choir and orchestra alongside soprano Felicity Murphy, countertenor Clint van der Linde, tenor Gavan Ring, and bass Thomas Dear.

First performed in Dublin in 1742, Handel’s masterpiece remains a defining work of the Baroque repertoire. 

General information and venue access

The evening includes a 15-minute interval following the first section and a brief pause during the second half.

Tickets are priced at €30 for general admission, with free entry for children aged 12 and under. Seating is unreserved, and attendees are encouraged to use nearby parking facilities at Saint Laurent or Saint Charles. 

Photography and video recording during the performance are strictly prohibited.

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Photo credit: Monaco Life