Messiah

It wouldn’t be Christmas without Handel’s Messiah – we’ve been performing it for Manchester audiences almost every year since 1859. Written in just 24 days, Handel’s oratorio has remained popular with audiences for almost 300 years. Propelled by fiery dramatic energy, it tells the story of Christ through magnificent choruses and arias of transcendent beauty. For 2026 we return to the traditional version, not an aria out of place. The glorious ‘Hallelujah’ chorus will have you leaping out of your seat. The Hallé Choir ensures you can hear every word, singing under the direction of Matthew Hamilton (whose contributions to previous Messiahs have earned standing ovations). Pure-toned soprano Sophie Bevan, magnetic mezzo-soprano Katie Bray, charismatic tenor Anthony Gregory and smooth, powerful bass James Platt complete our quartet of soloists.