Handel’s Messiah with Exeter Cathedral Choir

Handel’s Messiah is one of the greatest icons of European music, impacting audiences around the world for more than 250 years. ‘Handel composed Messiah in just twenty-four days, a remarkably short space of time but not exceptional by his own extraordinary standards. What is almost beyond comprehension, however, is how in these three weeks he was able to create a work of such sustained inspiration, power and seemingly inexhaustible invention. More than 250 years have passed since its first performance, yet Messiah’s status as one of the great icons of European music remains undiminished, and it continues to speak to millions of people of many cultures and faiths around the world.’ – John Bawden