MESSIAH, oratorio

George Frideric Handel became famous for his operas and was immortalised by his oratorio Messiah. 

He was born in Halle, Germany, in the same year as Johann Sebastian Bach. Unlike his colleague, however, he headed for Italy and started composing operas based on biblical and classical stories. His career continued in England, where he served as court composer. In 1741 he was commissioned to write the oratorio Messiah. Soon, Messiah’s ornate arias, grand orchestral writing and magnificent ensemble scenes – including the ‘Hallelujah’ Chorus – became a staple of concert programmes. In Lahti, this timeless masterpiece will be performed by an international ensemble of singers and the Dominante Choir, conducted by Hannu Lintu.