Handel's Messiah

Event information

Taking a different path to the tradition of huge choirs reading their music to deliver Handel's fine oratorio, The Merry Opera Company is offering a 'chamber' version with a cast of 17 singers in a fully-staged production largely performed without the aid of sheet music in front of the singers.
The setting for this production is war-torn Europe where, on Christmas Eve 1940, a community seeks sanctuary in a church. The oratorio's major themes of hope, sacrifice and redemption are played out as the group responds to the unfolding crisis around them. Looking to their Christian faith they seek solace and understanding, and find joy through their preparations for advent.

Exciting young director Mitchell Moreno recently received 4 stars and Critic's Choice from Time Out for his production of The Spanish Tragedy at the Arcola Theatre, and has worked the National Theatre and RSC.

Musical Director and Conductor Stephen Hose was Music Director for Unexpected Opera (Orpheus Down Under & The Barber of Savile Row) and is Music Director for OperaUK. He was Chorus Master for Duke Ellington's Sacred Songs with Jessye Norman (Barbican Theatre, London & Epidavros, Greece)