Henley Choral Society – Handel’s Messiah

This year The Henley Choral Society have chosen The Chiltern Centre as their charity partner for their performance of Frideric Handel’s Messiah.

What is Messiah about?

Messiah is an English-language oratorio composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel. It was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742 and received its London premiere a year later. After an initially modest public reception, the oratorio gained in popularity, eventually becoming one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music.

He created the piece based on three concepts: the story of the nativity and its prophecy; that of the crucifixion and redemption of mankind; and a commentary on the Christian soul and its victory over death. In each of these three parts, the chorus is absolutely at the heart of the work, complemented by four vocal soloists and an orchestra.

Those forces deliver some of Handel’s most heart-stopping music – gobsmackingly dramatic and effective, profoundly touching and spiritual. He used all his old tricks and learned some new (pretty good) ones too.

The Henley Choral Society

Henley Choral Society is a friendly, lively, non-auditioned choir of all ages. They aim to sing together to the highest standard, work with young professional talent, deliver an exciting and varied programme of concerts to the local community and encourage the next generation of singers.

This performance takes place at Saturday 30th November at St Mary’s Church in the heart of Henley-on-Thames at 7pm. With a 100-strong chorus, superb soloists and professional ensemble under direction of Hilary Campbell, it promises to be a spectacular evening not to be missed.

We are delighted that The Henley Choral Society have chosen to support us this year.

You can purchase your tickets HERE

You can get more information on The Henley Choral Society HERE