Getting the ‘Messiah Experience’

From its première on April 13 1742 in the New Music Hall, Fishamble Street, Dublin, George Frideric Handel’s Messiah has been a firm favourite with Irish audiences.

With pieces such as ‘Unto us a Child is Born’, ‘And He shall Purify’, ‘And the Glory of the Lord’, as well as the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’, it is easy to see how this particular work has remained a favourite with audiences and choirs since the 18th century.

Stephen Cummins, president, Mullingar Choral Society, said: “A friend of mine when describing what it was like to have seen this work performed live for the first time always referred to what he called the ‘Messiah experience’.”

On Sunday next, March 8, Mullingar Choral Society perform ‘Messiah’ in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar (8pm). The society have been working hard for the past few months under their musical director Fergus O’Carroll, assisted by Fintan Farrelly, assistant musical director, and hope that the fruits of their labour will bring an uplifting polished performance to the Cathedral for their many loyal and knowledgeable supporters.

Those who have not had the privilege of hearing this work performed live are advised to go along to the cathedral on Sunday and hear one of the greatest oratorios performed by a 70-member choir accompanied by the members of the City of Dublin Chamber Orchestra. The soloists for the evening are Lynda Lee (soprano), Imelda Drumm (alto), Owen Gilhooley (tenor) and Philip O’Reilly (bass).

Hopefully the audience will have the ‘Messiah experience’.

Tickets from The Cathedral Shop, any member of Mullingar Choral Society or at mullingarchoral.ie.