Birr Festival of Music to host Handel's Messiah performance

Birr Festival of Music will host a performance of Handel’s Messiah in the beautiful setting of St Brendan’s R.C. Church, Wilmer Road, on Sunday, December 7, at 5pm.

Performed by the Cambiata Chamber Choir & Orchestra and featuring the famous ‘Hallelujah Chorus’, Handel’s Messiah is one of the most beloved works in the choral repertoire, its message of hope and joy forever linked with the Christmas season.

The oratorio also holds a special place in Irish music history as its world premiere took place in Dublin in 1742 at Neal’s Musick Hall, Fishamble Street, where audiences were asked to leave their hoop skirts and swords at home to make room for the eager crowds.

Now, Birr welcomes this great masterpiece (for the first time in many years) for a festive evening with choir, full orchestra, and a line-up of outstanding soloists, under the baton of Niall Kinsella who is also the Artistic Director of Birr Festival of Music.

Speaking ahead of the concert, Mr Kinsella, said:

"It is with great pleasure and excitement that Birr Festival of Music presents Handel’s Messiah, for what will be a highly memorable performance. We are thrilled to be joined by four of Ireland's finest soloists (including Birr’s very own John Molloy), choir and orchestra. We hope you will join us for a magical evening and enjoy Handel’s glorious music, which is as fresh today as on the day it was premiered.”

A glorious evening of music not to be missed.

Tickets, priced €25 + booking fee, are now on sale at https://www.birrfestivalofmusic.com/handels-messiah