"I thought I was in heaven. I want the whole world to see this"
Haffefzar Khan, Last Word

Handel’s Messiah

The hopes of a nation rest on the birth of a child. His journey will change lives, his choices will profoundly influence the future. Can one man save the world?

In 1741 George Frederick Handel wrote his ground-breaking oratorio - Messiah, based on a libretto by Charles Jennens. Messiah, was an exuberant choral depiction of the story of Christ. Written in just 24 days, it was first performed in 1742. The most famous movement is 'The Hallelujah Chorus', based on three passages in the New Testament, and the book of Revelation. An annotated version of the musical score exists at Harewood House, from a famous mass-choir performance of Messiah in York Minster, in the early 19th century.

About Oratorio

An oratorio is a large musical composition, including an orchestra, a choir, and soloists. Whilst it’s inspired by opera, the difference between oratorio and opera is that opera is a theatrical, musical story, whilst an oratorio is a concert piece, without elaborate costumes, or props. Oratorios follow stories, but these usually focus on religious subjects, taking their inspiration from Biblical stories.

Handel preferred less conventional subject matter. Other than Messiah, he also wrote oratorios based on Greek and Roman myths. He is also credited with writing the first English language oratorio.

About Carnival

Carnival is the history of the Caribbean; a celebration of emancipation that grew out of the few days of the year when enslaved Africans were allowed to express themselves freely. Drawing on their African roots, adapting and satirising European art forms and manners, they celebrated their new-found freedoms with music, dance and spectacular costumes.