Netherlands Handel Society: the Messiah

Dutch Handel Association

In December 2024, the Dutch Handel Society will celebrate its 150th performance of Messiah , led by the young conductor Rick Muselaers. A wonderful milestone in the rich history of the choir, which performed its first Messiah in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam when it was founded in 1946. This heavenly music continues to surprise and delight us. Celebrate with us!

Handel's Messiah

Handel wrote his Messiah in just 24 days, as a 'Grand Musical Entertainment' to an English libretto. The chorus plays a central role as commentator, as in the old Greek tragedies. Within one and the same choral section, various styles and techniques are frequently used. Contrapuntal elaborations of themes go hand in hand with chordal declamations of monumental allure, as in the beloved Hallelujah. Experiencing this classic is an indispensable event to herald the Christmas holidays.