Anticipation is building for performance of Handel’s 'Messiah' in Mayo

Anticipation is building for the once-in-a-lifetime performance of Handel's 'Messiah' in St. Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina, on Saturday, November 11, by the renowned St. Muredach’s Cathedral Choir.

Under the direction of choral director Regina Deacy and as part of the Ballina 2023 celebrations, the performance will be accompanied by the Irish Choral Sinfonia Orchestra.

St. Muredach’s Cathedral choir are delighted to be joined for Handel’s 'Messiah' by some members of Cór Mhaigh Eo, a Mayo-wide mixed voice choir based in Westport.

The soloists for this performance are Rachel Croash (soprano), Ann Marie Gibbons (alto), David Lynn (tenor) and Rory Musgrave (bass).

Tickets are €27.50 and are available at www.ballinaparish.org or www.ballina2023.ie, or from the parish office 096 70555.

'Messiah' is an English-language oratorio in three parts, composed in 1741 by German-British composer George Frideric Handel and first performed in Fishamble Street Music Hall, Dublin, in April 1742. The work was initially modestly received, but in time gained in popularity, eventually becoming one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in western music.

While soloists and an orchestra complement the work, the chorus is at its heart and it is best known for its rousing ‘Hallelujah’ refrain – one of the most famous pieces of Baroque choral music in history.

The text was compiled from the King James Bible and the Coverdale Psalter by Charles Jennens and the three parts are drawn from three parts of the Bible – the story of prophecy of and the birth of Christ; that of the crucifixion and redemption of mankind; and a commentary on the redemption of Christian soul.

St. Muredach’s Cathedral Choir has been an institution since the mid-19th century. Its current membership of over 40 choristers is a successful blend of experienced and young voices, and its repertoire includes liturgical music by Irish and international composers, plainchant and motets.

The choir sing at 11 a.m. Mass every Sunday in St. Muredach’s Cathedral as well as at the usual liturgical highpoints in the seasons of the church year.

In 2010, the choir provided music for the 6 p.m. Mass on the Feast of Christ the King in London’s Westminster Cathedral. In 2012, they led the singing at one of the masses of the Eucharistic Congress in Dublin, and in 2014 the choir sang at the Mass of the Vatican Chapter in St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome. The choir has also presented many concerts for charitable events in the community.

The performance of Handel's 'Messiah' will commence at 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, in St. Muredach's Cathedral, Ballina.