Jeannette Sorrell’s approach to Handel’s Messiah has been universally praised for its refreshingly unique interpretation. In this concert, we’ll explore its dramatic potential to full effect – after all, an oratorio is effectively an opera, just without the staging and costumes – and Sorrell takes the view that a more theatrical production is precisely what Handel intended.

EPSG:4326

Messiah

The Bridgewater Hall

Grammy winner Jeannette Sorrell is joined by some of the country’s finest opera stars and the Hallé Choir for an innovative and theatrical production of Handel’s classic that has been universally praised for its refreshingly unique interpretation. In this concert, we’ll explore its dramatic potential to full effect – after all, an oratorio is effectively an opera, just without the staging and costumes – and Sorrell takes the view that a more theatrical production is precisely what Handel intended. Messiah is 284 years old this year and has been performed countless times in that period (the Hallé alone have performed it almost every year – sometimes more than once – since 1859). Tonight’s concert provides a strikingly original take on this much-loved work.

The Hallé – Messiah

In the two performances of Johann Sebastian Bach's St. John Passion, Sebastian Myrus will take over the role of Pilate from Geoffroy Buffière, who will sing in the ensemble.

St. John Passion — Vox Luminis · Freiburg Baroque Orchestra · Meunier

Kollegienkirche

In the second and final concert of their American and Festival debut, the Sollazzo Ensemble explores the intellectual ferment that was 14th-century Florence, the epicenter of a cultural blossoming that has shaped Italian culture until the present day. Savor sacred and secular works by Francesco Landini, Vincenzo da Rimini, as well as various Florentine composers known only by their first name (Donato, Giovanni, Lorenzo, and Paolo). Don’t miss this rich exploration of the glories of the trecento!

The winners of the prestigious 2015 York Early Music International Young Artists Competition, the Sollazzo Ensemble has become one Europe’s most sought-after medieval ensembles.

Sollazzo Ensemble: Firenze 1350

First Congregational Church

For the opening concert of our 2022 Festival, we eagerly welcome the Basel-based Sollazzo Ensemble in their long-awaited American and Festival debut.Around 1320, two French treatises revolutionized the music world: Ars Novae Musicae by Jean de Muris, and the collection Ars Nova, attributed to Philippe de Vitry. From these writings sprung a new chapter of Western music: rich and ornate melodies, dense polyphony and novel rhythmic patterns are woven together to form a new expressive tapestry, particularly in sacred music. The winners of the prestigious 2015 York Early Music International Young Artists Competition, they have become one Europe’s most sought-after medieval ensembles.

Sollazzo Ensemble: Cantano gli angeli—Sacred Medieval Music

Saint Mark's Episcopal Church

A secretive empire, ruled by a legendary queen – Alcina is all things at once: strong, powerful, clever and beguilingly beautiful. Again and again, she seduces strange men, who follow her call, onto her island, and again and again Alcina hopes without end to find true love. But her dream always ends in disappointment. The traces of past loves are strewn across the land – former suitors are now magically transformed and held captive in the island’s flora and fauna. But when Ruggiero lands on the island, Alcina is convinced – this is the right one! Meanwhile another “man” appears. Ruggiero’s fiancé Bradamante, disguised as her brother, Ricciardo, and searching for Ruggiero. When Alcina’s magic then also begins to gradually disappear, everything goes topsy-turvy.

Carine Tinney

Events

Upcoming events

13 - 28 Jul, 2026

Alcina · Bayerische Staatsoper

Past events

Dec 6, 2025

Messiah · The Hallé

Dec 6, 2025

The Hallé – Messiah · The Bridgewater Hall

Future and recently performed repertoire

Singer in Messiah by Handel

The Hallé

Oberto in Alcina by Handel

Bayerische Staatsoper

Singer in St. John Passion by Bach

Salzburger Festspiele

About

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