Handel's Messiah is now one of the most celebrated choral works of all time, but its early reception was far from straightforward. While its 1742 premiere in Dublin was met with great enthusiasm, the oratorio's arrival in London less than a year later was received with far more caution. What caused this contrast in reaction, and how did Messiah eventually rise to such prominence?
Join Andrew Gant, author of The Making of Handel's Messiah, as he delves into the fascinating story behind one of the most enduring choral works of all time. Drawing from Handel's original composition manuscript and his own conducting score, held in the Bodleian Library, Andrew will explore how Messiah evolved in performance and reputation—transforming from an initial curiosity to one of the greatest triumphs of sacred music.
Andrew Gant is a distinguished musician and scholar, former Organist of Her Majesty's Chapels Royal, and Stipendiary Lecturer in Music at St Peter's College, Oxford. His book, The Making of Handel's Messiah, will be available to purchase at the event.
