Hallelujah as summer shines on Handel's 'Messiah'
Wednesday April 14 2010
THE sun was shining, the sky was blue and the music was free as people turned out in their droves to enjoy an open-air performance of Handel's 'Messiah' yesterday.
A crowd of more than 500, many of them making the most of their lunch break, cheered in appreciation as Our Lady's Choral Society gave a rousing performance of the world famous oratorio.
They were accompanied by the National Sinfonia and conducted by Prionnsias O Duinn.
Fittingly, the event took place at the original site of the first performance of the 'Messiah' -- led by Handel on his harpsichord -- on Fishamble Street, Dublin on April 13, 1742.
It was the 19th year the anniversary had been marked and yesterday the large audience enjoyed fine weather and a jovial atmosphere of the 'Messiah on the Street'. The performance was just one of many events yesterday as part of the fourth annual 'In Handel's Day' festival which celebrates the connections between the famous composer and Dublin city.
- Deirdre Gilhawley
Irish Independent
