Händels Messias

Music with Eternal Appeal

Just before Christmas, Lommedalen kirke outside Oslo will be filled with one of the most beloved works in music history: Messiah by Georg Friedrich Händel.

Messiah was composed in just a few weeks in 1741 and premiered in Dublin the following year. Audiences were immediately captivated by the music and the libretto – a poetic and accessible portrayal of the life and deeds of Jesus. Critics agreed: this was something entirely new, a work that surpassed everything that had come before in the genre.

Since then, Messiah has been performed in countless versions. There’s no doubt the work is in the best hands in Lommedalen kirke, with a stellar line-up of soloists joining the Norwegian Radio Orchestra and The Norwegian Soloists’ Choir, conducted by the young and in-demand Kristian Bezuidenhout.

Leading both choir and orchestra from the harpsichord, Bezuidenhout presents a version tailored for this very December evening.

The audience can look forward to everything from intimate arias to the iconic “Hallelujah” chorus – and a powerful reminder of why this work continues to draw people to churches and concert halls around the world. A musical experience that both moves and delights.

The concert will be recorded for TV and radio by NRK.

Duration: approx. 2.5 hours including intermission. Coffee and cake will be available during the break.