Return of Handel masterpiece

Nov 28 2008 by Michael Green, Flintshire Chronicle

HANDEL’S Messiah is one of the best-loved gems of the classical repertoire and it will be recreated in spectacular fashion at Chester Cathedral on Monday (December 1).

The London Festival Orchestra, conducted by Ross Pople, will be joined by The Coupland Consort to perform the work by candlelight at 7.30pm.

Originally performed at Easter, the Messiah is now considered to be the most important musical additions to any Christmas calendar. London Festival Orchestra will be joined by the eminent young professional choir, The Coupland Consort, and four brilliant young soloists (including the chart-topping tenor Nicky Spence) in a candlelit performance of this timeless masterpiece.

Chester Cathedral and Handel are already inextricably linked.

Handel was on his way to Dublin in 1741 to give the first performance of Messiah and produce a series of charity concerts. However, the weather was very bad and as a result, he was delayed for some days; so he decided to use the time profitably, by rehearsing his new piece in Chester.

Handel’s music was certainly popular in Chester; in 1772, and as part of the first music festival staged in the city, three of his oratorios were performed.

Tickets for Monday’s concert are priced £15, £7.50 restricted view. Tickets available from the Cathedral Shop on 01244 311586.