Messiah in the Minster: Handel's best known composition returns to York

10 December 2016, 7.00pm

There can be few better known pieces of choral music than the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah, and on Saturday 10 December, the people of York can enjoy the famous composition sung by the York Minster Choir and guest soloists.

The performance of Handel’s Messiah during Advent has become a recent tradition for the choir, which will welcome Darren Jeffery Bass, Thomas Elwin, Julia Doyle and Michael Chance CBE as guest soloists for this year’s rendition.  Performed within the Nave of the great cathedral, the size and scale of the building serves to amplify the sound of the massed voices.

“For many people, hearing Messiah performed has become as much a part of their preparations for Christmas as hearing carols or wrapping presents, and this year, we welcome four superb guests to perform the solo roles within the concert,” explains director of music, Robert Sharpe.  “When it was first written, many in the Anglican church were appalled by the drama and passion that this composition used to present Christ’s life story, but it is precisely this emotion that makes it so popular today.”

Handel’s Messiah takes place at 7.00pm on Saturday 10 December 2016.  Tickets cost £25 for seats in the Front Nave, £18 for the Rear Nave and £12 for the side aisles.  “With all the tickets sold out for our annual Christmas Carol Concert, this is a wonderful opportunity to hear the York Minster Choir singing something slightly different from their usual sacred repertoire,” adds Robert.

For more details, or to book, please visit www.yorkminster.org.  Tickets can also be purchased from York Theatre Royal’s Box Office.

Ends

For further media information or photographs, please contact:

Jay Commins

Pyper York Limited

Tel:         01904 500698

Email:    jay@pyperyork.co.uk