Handel's Messiah (HWV 56) is an English-language oratorio composed in just 24 days in the late summer of 1741, with a text assembled by Charles Jennens from the Old Testament, New Testament, and Book of Revelation. It premiered in Dublin on 13 April 1742 - during Lent, not Christmas - to immediate acclaim, and only gradually became the winter holiday staple it is today. Divided into three parts covering prophecy, the Passion, and resurrection, it is by far the most frequently performed oratorio in the world. The tradition of standing during the 'Hallelujah' chorus is said to date from King George II rising to his feet at a London performance.
Mogens Dahl Kammerkor performs Messiah in collaboration with Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and international soloists in December 2026.
CAMERATA choir and orchestra perform Messiah at Holmens Church in Copenhagen on 11 and 12 December 2026.
Vor Frue Kantori and Camerata Øresund performed Messiah at the Cathedral in Copenhagen on 20 December 2025.
Aalborg Symphony Orchestra performed Messiah at Musikkens Hus on 11 December 2025, with an additional performance at Thisted Church on 12 December.
Christians Church in Copenhagen was the venue for a historic Messiah performance: the conductor's 50th and final in a long-standing tradition of annual performances.
Odense Baroque Festival presents Handel's Messiah at Vor Frue Kirke with baroque orchestra and choir.
Roskilde Cathedral Boys' Choir and Baroque Ensemble perform Handel's classical oratorio 'Messiah' under conductor Egil Kolind.
Handel's beloved Messiah with its famous Hallelujah chorus performed by conductor Bo Holten, the vocal ensemble Musica Ficta, and Camerata Øresund in an intimate, chamber-music interpretation.
Handel's Messiah performed by 14 professional singers and a baroque orchestra on original instruments at Helligaandskirken.