Handel's Messiah | Cheltenham Bach Choir and The Musical and Amicable Society

Handel composed 'Messiah' in 1741, and continued to work on it after the premiere in Dublin. He completed the version we know today in 1754, and the work has become a firm Christmas favourite performed every year by professional and amateur choirs throughout the world.

This glorious oratorio is one of the most famous pieces of Baroque choral music and hugely popular with audiences, who traditionally stand during the Hallelujah Chorus, allegedly because King George II stood up during the chorus at the Messiah's debut London performance. No one seems absolutely sure whether or not this really happened, but it's a lovely tradition and one that audiences continue to enjoy.

Cheltenham Bach Choir is delighted to be revisiting Messiah this December. With a top-class line-up of soloists and period orchestra, this is the perfect way to kick off your Christmas celebrations.