An open air production of George Frederic Handel's 'Messiah' on Fishamble Street Dublin where it was first performed in 1742.
Celebrating the anniversary of the first performance of Handel’s Messiah on 13 April 1742, and marking the launch of a Handel Festival, Our Lady's Choral Society undertook an outdoor performance of Handel's ‘Messiah’, at the site where the original performance took place, Mr Neal’s Music Hall on Fishamble Street in Dublin.
There aren't many internationally known musical works that we could say had its first performance in Dublin.
Our Lady's Choral Society conducted by Musical Director Proinnsías Ó Duinn has been marking the occasion since 1992, when the 250th anniversary of the first performance of 'Messiah' came around. The Choral Society and their faithful audience have returned to Temple Bar every year for what has become an eagerly anticipated cultural event in Dublin.
Those who gathered in the sunshine were clearly enjoying themselves with one woman remarking,
It’ was a great atmosphere, great fun and they really obviously seem to really enjoy singing, which is fantastic.
The highlight of the performance is the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ and all of those gathered were invited to participate.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 13 April 2007. The reporter is Sinéad Crowley.
