The Choir of The Queen's College, Oxford, and the world-famous Academy of Ancient Music perform Handel's Messaiah
Wednesday 3 December, 19:00
Sheldonian Theatre
Handel's Messiah lies at the very heart of Christmas musical festivities. The oratorio follows Christ's life from the prophecies of the Old Testament through to his birth, passion and resurrection, and the final conquest of sin with the promise of eternal life. Handel uses his consummate skill as an opera composer to inject vivid colour and intense drama into his score. First heard in 1741, it remains just as popular today as it did in Dublin nearly 300 years ago. Arias of mesmerising beauty and triumphant courage sit alongside virtuoso choruses of stunning power - including the famous 'Hallelujah Chorus'.
This concert continues the acclaimed collaboration between the Choir of The Queen's College, Oxford and the world-famous Academy of Ancient Music, a combination of the finest choral singing and an orchestra with a worldwide reputation for excellence in baroque and classical music. Previous performances of Messiah in this collaboration, also with star-studded line-ups of soloists, have sold out months before the event and early booking is advised.
Choir and orchestra are conducted by Owen Rees, Director of Music at The Queen's College, hailed as 'one of the most energetic and persuasive voices’ in this field.
Julia Doylesoprano
Esther Laymezzo-soprano
Guy Cuttingtenor
James Atkinsonbass
Choir of The Queen's College, Oxford
Academy of Ancient Music
Owen Reesdirector
Ticket Information
Full price tickets: £15, £30, £35, £45
£5 tickets for students
Doors open at 18:30
This concert will finish at 22:00
Latecomers to be permitted following 'Every Valley' (Item 3)
This event is suitable for all ages
For ticketing queries, please contact Dr Samuel Teague, Choir Administrator (choir@queens.ox.ac.uk, 01856 289177)