George Frideric Handel’s Messiah was originally written for an Easter performance. It burst onto the stage of Musick Hall in Dublin on April 13, 1742. The record audience of 700 needed the ladies to wear dresses “without Hoops” in order to make “Room for more company.” The draw was Handel, who by this time was seen as a superstar, but it may also have been the chance to see the contralto, Susannah Cibber, then embroiled in a scandalous divorce.

The audience were entranced from the moment the tenor followed the mournful string overture with his piercing opening line: “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.” Soloists alternated with chorus.  Midway through Cibber sang: “He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” So moved was the Rev. Patrick Delany that he leapt to his feet and cried out: “Woman, for this be all thy sins forgiven thee!”

The performance at Layer Marney Tower may not have all these undertones but it will be atmospheric; set in the Christmas decorated barn and performed by some amazing young talent.

Come and join us for this wonderful performance.