GEORGE FRIDERIC HÄNDEL

Messiah

13th December 2025, 7pm | Holywell Music Room, Oxford

20th December 2025, 5pm | St. Marylebone Parish Church, London

With the Waterperry Opera Festival Baroque Orchestra and the Choir of St. Marylebone Parish Church.

Now firmly established as a Waterperry Christmas tradition, our Messiah performances have captivated sold-out audiences since 2021. Join us for an exquisite evening of uplifting music with an ensemble of distinguished soloists and period instrumentalists with Bertie Baigent at the helm, all within the magical atmosphere of The Holywell Music Room. Following the Oxford concerts, Messiah will also be presented at the stunning St Marylebone Parish Church in London.

Creative Team

  • Bertie Baigent

    CONDUCTOR

The Music

Händel’s Messiah is a landmark of Western classical music - emotionally rich, dramatically paced, and instantly memorable. From the solemn opening to the triumphant final chorus, the work unfolds with a sense of purpose and clarity that few composers have ever matched.

While the “Hallelujah” chorus is the piece’s most iconic moment, there’s just as much power in the quieter arias, like “He Was Despised” or “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth.” Each section reveals a different shade of emotion, shaped by Handel’s instinct for musical storytelling.

Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or returning to it with fresh ears, dive into our selected playlist and experience why Messiah continues to resonate centuries after its premiere.

FAQs

  • Our performance of Handel’s Messiah will last for approximately 2 hours, including a 20 minute interval.

  • Handel’s Messiah is performed in English.