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Term 3, 2003

Our December Concert - Handel's Messiah

Handel

The Sydney University Graduate Choir and Orchestra, conducted by Music Director Christopher Bowen, will perform George Frideric Handel's great Oratorio, "Messiah" in the Great Hall of the University on Saturday, 13 December 2003, at 8.00 pm.

Georg Friederich Händel (as he was christened) was born in 1685 in Halle, Saxony the same year J.S. Bach was born. He later settled for nearly five decades in England, adopting the "English" name George Frideric Handel as he later signed himself. "Messiah" is undoubtedly Handel's most popular work. It was composed in London in 24 days starting 22 August 1741 to a libretto earlier supplied by Charles Jennens. After writing out the Hallelujah! chorus, Handel is reported to have exclaimed to his servant with tears in his eyes:

"I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself."

This extraordinary feat of inspired composition was in response to an invitation to visit Dublin for the winter season of 1741. Composition so speedy upset Jennens though:
"His Messiah has disappointed me, being set in great hast, tho' he said he would be a year about it, & make it the best of all his Compositions. I shall put no more Sacred Works into his hands, to be thus abus'd."

Messiah was finally performed for the first time on June 3, 1742 at Handel's final Dublin concert. For further information on Handel's life and works click on this link.

Guest Chorus

Bookings for the Guest Choir have been fully subscribed and are now closed.

Note on Photographs (for Choir)

Expect to see photographs of the rehearsals and concert on these web pages in the coming weeks along with ordering details for prints. Be kind to our volunteer photographers, Robert and Cliff who will be working at both Great Hall rehearsals and the concert. We expect the results will be worth the occasional inconvenience.