Events in Dublin include a new play to celebrate the life and work of composer George Frideric Handel.
Along with concerts and performances of music by George Frideric Handel, is a play 'Handel's Crossing’ by Joseph O’Connor. This piece of theatre will take place on board the Jeanie Johnston ship at Custom House Quay. The play tells tells the story of Handel’s arrival in Dublin and the background to the world premiere of his oratorio ‘Messiah’ which was performed at the New Music Hall in Fishamble Street on 13 April 1742.
Jim Culleton of the Fishamble Theatre Company explains, this was a time of great uncertainty for the composer, and the positive reaction to his latest work in Dublin restored his confidence,
The Dublin audiences really loved ‘Messiah’.
Now very much back in favour, Handel’s ‘Messiah’ will be performed this Monday back where it all began, on Fishamble Street.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 8 April 2009. The reporter is Sinéad Crowley.
