The Choir of Westminster Abbey and leading period-instrument orchestra Academy of Ancient Music herald the start of the Christmas season with a performance of Handel's most famous oratorio.
A performance of Messiah in Westminster Abbey is always a special occasion thanks to the composer’s unique association with the building. A London resident for over 40 years, Handel wrote some of his most celebrated music for performance in the Abbey and is buried in Poets’ Corner, where he is immortalised in an imposing life-size statue by Louis-François Roubiliac. Beside the figure of the composer is a musical score showing a fragment of the Messiah aria ‘I know that my Redeemer liveth’.
The Choir of Westminster Abbey is renowned worldwide as one of the finest ensembles of its type, its repertoire extending from plainsong and Renaissance polyphony to twentieth-century masterpieces and new commissions. In addition to singing the daily services, as it has done since the fourteenth century, the Choir plays a central role in the many royal and state occasions which are held in the Abbey, most recently the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Established 50 years ago by Christopher Hogwood, Academy of Ancient Music is an orchestra with a worldwide reputation for excellence in baroque and classical music. Using historically-informed techniques, period-specific instruments and original sources, it brings music vividly to life in committed, vibrant performances.
This concert takes place thanks to the generous support of David Keltner and the late Patricia Owen Keltner
TICKETS
£55, £45, £36
£28 (restricted view)
£22 (very restricted view)
£15 (no view – unreserved)
ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION
Timings
Doors open at 6.15pm and the concert will begin at 7.00pm.
There will be an interval of 20 minutes and the performance will end at around 9.30pm.
Latecomers will be admitted but may not be able to occupy their allocated seats until a suitable break in the performance.
Access & security
Entry to Westminster Abbey is via the Great West Door.
Your bag will be searched and we ask you not to bring any large items with you (for example suitcases, large backpacks or folding bicycles) as these will not be allowed inside and we are unable to store them for you.
Filming & photography
Please note that photography, filming and sound recording are not permitted at Abbey concerts.
Food and drink
On concert evenings (5th and 20th December) the Cellarium Café and Terrace will be open from 5.00–6.45pm serving a 2-course Christmas menu (last orders 6.15pm) and pre-concert drinks and snacks. Call 020 7222 0516 or email [email protected] to book.
General
Older children are very welcome at our evening concerts but we do not recommend them for children under the age of six.While concerts provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy the Abbey’s special atmosphere and magnificent architecture, the church is not open for visiting on concert evenings and we recommend consulting our website www.westminster-abbey.org to plan a visit during opening hours.Tickets for Abbey concerts are non-transferrable and non-refundable.