Celebration of “Messiah in the Street”

12 Apr 2012

Celebration of “Messiah in the Street”

Some of the finest choral singers will come together this weekend for what is sure to be a spectacular musical performance. Our Lady’s Choral Society, a choir of the Archdiocese of Dublin, will celebrate the 21st anniversary of “Messiah in the Street” in celebration of its world premiere which took place in 1742.

Our Lady’s Choral Society has been associated with Handel’s Messiah since it’s foundation in 1945 when members of church choirs across the Archdiocese of Dublin, came together to perform Handel’s masterpiece.

As part of the celebrations, two live performances are planned. Tomorrow (Friday) in association with the Temple Bar Cultural Trust, Our Lady’s Choral Society will give their annual performance of Messiah excerpts in Fishamble Street at 1pm, where Handel performed in 1742.  On Saturday, (14th April), the choir will perform in Adam and Eve’s Church in Merchants Quay at 1.30pm. This performance will include some of Handel’s most beautiful compositions including  Zadok the Priest ,The Anthem of the Peace, Sing Unto God and Foundling Hospital Anthem, with soloists, Colette Boushell, Raphaela Mangan, Andrew Boushell and Jeffrey Ledwidge and the Dublin Handelian Orchestra conducted by Proinnsías Ó Duinn.

Admission to both concerts is free however donations will be accepted on behalf of the Merchant’s Quay Project and Focus Ireland, charities who work to assist the homeless in Ireland. Handel had a great love for the poor and during his time in Dublin in 1742 arranged a number of concerts including a performance of Messiah, to assist the homeless.

Ends

Further information:
Fr Paul Ward, 0860722680/ [email protected]
Communications Office 01 -8360723 e mail [email protected] web www.dublindiocese.ie