JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH

B Minor Mass

24th April 2026, 7pm | Holywell Music Room, Oxford

With the Waterperry Opera Festival Baroque Orchestra.

25th April 2026, 5pm | St. Marylebone Parish Church, London

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

Bach’s magnificent mass was one of the last pieces he completed, and is a testament to his art and deep faith. The work is a compendium of all the styles of which Bach was a master, and both looks forward to the music of later composers, and backwards to the traditions that Bach was steeped in.

Distinguished singers, including Hilary Cronin and Nathan Mercieca returning from Waterperry’s recent Semele production are joined by the Waterperry Opera Festival Baroque orchestra under the baton of Bertie Baigent to tackle this monumental work.

Tickets for st. marylebone parish church
Tickets for holywell music room

Creative Team

Soloists

Conductor | Bertie Baigent

Soprano Soloist | Hilary Cronin

Countertenor Soloist | Nathan Mercieca

Tenor Soloist |

Baritone Soloist |

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 Bach’s B Minor Mass will last for approximately 2 hours, including a 20 minute interval.

  • The auditorium is historic with steeply raked seating. Patrons with mobility concerns are advised to book seats towards the front.

    The venue is not fully wheelchair accessible. Please contact us in advance if you have access requirements, and we will do our best to assist.