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Classical Music

Messiah: London Christmas performances of Handel's oratorio

By Claudia Pritchard on 25/11/2021

The Christmas story is told in grand choruses and virtuosic solos, sung by the finest artists and with thrilling instrumental playing

English Chamber Orchestra, Cadogan Hall

The English Chamber Orchestra conducted by Nicholas Kraemer returns to the concert hall off Sloane Square for a performance of Messiah on a smaller scale. The orchestra is joined by the Choir of Royal Holloway and internationally acclaimed soloists soprano Carolyn Sampson, counter-tenor Tim Mead (pictured), tenor Stuart Jackson and bass Matthew Brooks.

WHEN

Sun 5 Dec 2021, 6PM (note early evening start)

WHERE

Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ

The Sixteen, St Martin in the Fields

Harry Christophers conducts the premier chamber choir in an intense and highly focused performance of Handel's oratorio with soloists soprano Carolyn Sampson, mezzo-soprano
Catherine Wyn-Rogers, tenor Robert Murray and bass-baritone Henry Waddington.

WHEN

Tues 7 Dec 2021, 7PM

WHERE

St Martin in the Fields,Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ

Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Festival Hall

One of London's big five orchestras in a large-scale performance of Handel's mighty oratorio, conducted by Brian Wright. With the 350 voices of two distinguished London choirs, English Concert Chorus and Highgate Choral Society, plus soprano Rebecca Bottone, mezzo-soprano Kathryn Rudge (pictured), tenor Oliver Johnston and bass William Thomas.

WHEN

Thurs 12 Dec 2021, 7:30PM

WHERE

Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX

Royal Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Albert Hall

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Albert Hall

An event so popular there are both afternoon and evening performances. This year the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Philharmonia Chorus under Sian Edwards are joined by Royal Opera soprano Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha (pictured), rising star alto Claire Barnett-Jones, tenor Thomas Atkins and bass Simon Shibambu.

WHEN

Wed 15 Dec 2021, 2PM & 7PM

WHERE

Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington SW7 2AP

Britten Sinfonia, Barbican Hall

David Watkin conducts one of London's premier chamber orchestras in what is sure to be a very dynamic performance of Messiah. Thomas Gould (pictured) leads the Britten Sinfonia, which is joined by the Choir of Jesus College, Cambridge, and soloists soprano Harriet Eyley, contralto Jess Dandy, tenor Stuart Jackson, baritone James Newby.

WHEN

Fri 12 Dec 2021, 7:30PM

WHERE

Barbican Hall,

Children's Messiah, Cadogan Hall

Do not miss this wonderfully entertaining, whistlestop dash through Handel's Messiah in just 45 minutes. The composer Mr Handel himself (pictured) presents his dramatic work, telling the Christmas story in music for all the family to enjoy. A great introduction to a core work for children and adults alike.

WHEN

Sat 18 Dec 2021, 4PM (note afternoon start). Running time 45 min

WHERE

Wigmore Hall, 36 Wigmore St, London W1U 2BP

Dunedin Consort, Wigmore Hall

Early music specialists the Dunedin Consort, under John Butt, are renowned for their electrifying and direct performances. With dynamic tempi and every instrumentalist and singer a soloist in their own right, their interpretation of Messiah will be a seasonally spicy treat.

WHEN

Sat 18 Dec 2021, 7PM

WHERE

Wigmore Hall, 36 Wigmore St, London W1U 2BP

Polyphony, St John's Smith Square

Handel's oratorio is sung by early music experts Polyphony with Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in a historically-informed performance conducted by Stephen Layton. Star soloists are soprano Anna Dennis, mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston, tenor James Gilchrist (pictured) and bass Neal Davies. A highlight of the 36th St John's Smith Square Christmas Festival.

WHEN

Thurs 23 Dec 2021, 7:30PM

WHERE

St John's Smith Square, Smith Square, Westminster SW1P 3HA

Messiah: London Christmas performances of Handel's oratorio

The Christmas story is told in grand choruses and virtuosic solos, sung by the finest artists and with thrilling instrumental playing

English Chamber Orchestra, Cadogan Hall

The Sixteen, St Martin in the Fields

Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Festival Hall

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Albert Hall

Britten Sinfonia, Barbican Hall

Children's Messiah, Cadogan Hall

Dunedin Consort, Wigmore Hall

Polyphony, St John's Smith Square

Handel

Messiah

Christmas

Royal Festival Hall

Barbican

St John's Smith Square

St Martin in the Fields

Wigmore Hall

Cadogan Hall

Britten Sinfonia

Philharmonia

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Dunedin Consort

Polyphony

Tim Mead

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