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Handel's Messiah

An Evening of Baroque Splendour​

Europe/London
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Whatever made King George II rise to his feet during the Hallelujah chorus — piles, his bladder, or the sheer brilliance of the music — it started a tradition that has endured for nearly three centuries.

Handel composed Messiah in just 24 days — a feat that astonished even his contemporaries. The oratorio weaves together prophecies of the coming of Christ, the story of the Nativity, and the promise of redemption, set to music of extraordinary beauty and power. From the gentle tenderness of Every valley shall be exalted to the triumphant blaze of Worthy is the Lamb, it is a work that has touched millions across centuries, languages, and borders.

This November, Bury Choral Society performs Messiah in full, with a chamber orchestra of strings, oboes, trumpet, and organ, and four outstanding soloists who bring Handel's vocal writing to vivid life.

Performers

  • Bury Choral Society
  • Juan Ortuño — Conductor
  • Alicia Hill — Soprano
  • Imogene Woodhead — Alto
  • Hamish Garland — Tenor
  • Timothy Mays — Bass

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday 28 November 2026
  • Time: 7:30 pm
  • Venue: Bury Parish Church
  • Duration: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes (including interval)
  • Tickets: £12 standard / £6 students — on the door or online
  • More info: burychoral.org

Programme

Part I — The Prophecy and the Nativity

  • Sinfony
  • Comfort ye
  • Every valley shall be exalted
  • And the glory of the Lord
  • Thus saith the Lord
  • But who may abide
  • And He shall purify
  • Behold, a virgin shall conceive
  • O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion
  • For behold, darkness shall cover the earth
  • The people that walked in darkness
  • For unto us a child is born
  • Glory to God
  • His yoke is easy

Interval

Part II — The Passion and Resurrection

  • Behold the Lamb of God
  • Surely He hath borne our griefs
  • And with His stripes we are healed
  • All we like sheep
  • He trusted in God
  • Thy rebuke hath broken His heart
  • Behold and see
  • He was despised
  • But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell
  • Lift up your heads, O ye gates
  • Thou art gone up on high
  • How beautiful are the feet
  • Their sound is gone out
  • Why do the nations so furiously rage together
  • Let us break their bonds asunder
  • He that dwelleth in heaven
  • Thou shalt break them
  • Hallelujah

Part III — The Promise of Eternity

  • Since by man came death
  • Behold, I tell you a mystery
  • The trumpet shall sound
  • Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened
  • He shall feed His flock
  • His yoke is easy
  • Worthy is the Lamb
  • Amen