Newry to host performance of world famous Handel's Messiah this Christmas
Event to take place at Newry Cathedral, Newry on Friday 27 November at 7.00pm,
Newry is to host a unique performance of Handel’s most famous work, Messiah, with period orchestral instruments this November.
Taking place in Newry Cathedral, Newry on Friday 27 November at 7.00pm, the performance of the composer’s best-known masterpiece will be given by the Ulster Consort – Northern Ireland’s newest professional vocal ensemble.
The Ulster Consort will use small forces of just 14 singers, joined by a stellar line up four soloists and an orchestra of specialist period instrumentalists, in an historically informed and exciting way, creating a soundscape similar to that which Handel would have experienced at the first performance in Dublin, in 1742.
Conducted by the internationally-acclaimed conductor, composer, and organist Matthew Owens, Music Director of the Ulster Consort, the performance will feature award-winning soloists Rebecca Murphy (soprano), Laura Lamph (mezzo soprano), Owen Lucas (tenor) and Eoghan Desmond (bass) – each hailing from, or living in, Northern Ireland and performing professionally in the UK and Europe.
Established in 2019 by Matthew Owens and General Manager Ali Darragh, the Ulster Consort is a flexible group that can range from just a few performers to a group of 40 or more musicians. Each year, the group gives 10-12 performances across Northern Ireland ranging from Renaissance polyphony to Baroque oratorio, through to cutting edge contemporary music.
With tickets for the performance selling fast, Matthew Owens encouraged music lovers to purchase as soon possible.
“We understand that it is many years since a performance of Messiah of this nature will have been heard in the Newry area and our November concert in Newry Cathedral is already proving exceptionally popular as a result,” he said.
“We’ve already been greatly encouraged by ticket sales and, with the performance anticipated to sell out very soon, we would urge concert goers in the Ballymena area to purchase their tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”
Tickets for the Ulster Consort’s performance of Messiah are now on sale and booking soon is highly recommended. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/messiah-ballymena-tickets-1280514135249. For group bookings, please contact [email protected]
For more information about the Ulster Consort, visit www.ulsterconsort.org or follow on Facebook.