Presented by bach society queensland
This year marks the beginning of a second half century of annual performances by the Bach Society of Handel’s magnificnent oratorio, Messiah. For those of us for whom attending or performing in this musical re-telling the narrative of the birth, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ is a Christmas essential, it may come as a surprise that the work was not as well received at some of its earliest performances as it has come to be in more modern times. Indeed, with the seemingly fickle preferences of audiences in those early years, coupled with some early experimentation in the form of the work itself – with some choruses included in some versions and not in others; and different configurations of soloist or duet performing other sections – the work as we know it today might not have survived at all.
It was very well received at its Dublin premiere in 1742. By contrast, the London premiere – the version we will be performing this year – did not recieve such a warm response. This 1743 version was central in the evolution of the work, over the next few years, into the canonical version so familiar to and beloved by audiences and performers today alike. Over the next few years, it was performed in London in some years, but not in others, before its landmark Foundling Hospital performance in 1750 cemented its reputation as a musical favourtite.
This year’s performance promises to bring you both the familiar favourite that so many of us know and love; and yet still with a few surprises here and there. We hope you will enjoy this interesting mix.
EVENT INFO
SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2:00PM
Box Office 1:00pm
Doors to Theatre 1:30pm
Performance 2:00pm
TICKETS
Adult $58.00 / $60.00 door
Concession/ $53.00 / $55.00 door
Tertiary
Group 6+ $48.00ea / $50.00ea door
Secondary $28.00 / $30.00 door
School Student
Child Under 12 Free (Booking still required)
Under 18 welcome with parent/guardian