Handel: Messiah | Croydon Minster
Arts
Orchestra
Handel'sMessiahis a cherished choral masterpiece often performed in grand venues. However, its origins are quite different. Handel, a German émigré, came to London to pursue a career in Italian opera. When opera was banned during Lent and Advent, he adapted by composing oratorios, which were musically similar but not staged theatrically. Messiah was composed in just three weeks in 1742 and first performed in Dublin's Great Music Hall, owned by The Bull's Head Tavern. Handel even borrowed Dublin's Cathedral Choirs for the performance. This piece, born out of pragmatism and creativity, has since become a cornerstone of classical music. The Choir of Croydon Minster is renowned for its rich musical tradition and excellence. It includes flourishing choirs of boy and girl choristers who rehearse and perform separately, coming together for special services and concerts throughout the year. The choir also features choral scholars and lower voices, creating a diverse and dynamic musical ensemble that has been heard nationally and internationally on BBC Radio 3 and BBC One. The Minster choirs are joined by pupils from Whitgift School Chamber Choir. Oxford Bach Soloistsis a Baroque orchestra dedicated to performing the complete vocal works of J.S. Bach in chronological order over 12 years. OBS offers a unique musical experience that mirrors the context of Bach's original performances. They also support young aspiring soloists through choral scholarships and engage with the local community to promote music education. The Choir of Croydon Minster Whitgift Chamber Choir Oxford Bach Soloists Philippa Hyde, soprano Katherine Nicholson, mezzo soprano Sebastian Hill, tenor Jonathan Brown, baritone Justin Miller, conductor
Information Source: Croydon Minster | eventbrite