Handel's Messiah plays a central part in every Christmas celebration, and has been a runaway success ever since its premiere in Dublin in 1742. We examine Handel's revolutionary impact on Georgian music making, reflect on his brilliant librettist Charles Jennens, muse on various performances over the years, and celebrate Messiah's many unforgettable moments, not least the Hallelujah Chorus - just how did it become so famous?

 The Messiah course consists of an in-depth film and a Q&A session. It is part of an ongoing Listening Club series covering other great works including Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos and Beethoven’s Razumovsky string quartets.

Click here to watch a sample of the series.

These recorded lectures are available to watch at any time on a dedicated web page, and the films will not expire. Those signing up to the course by mid December 2024 will be invited to join Sandy for a live Zoom to discuss the music and raise any questions they may have.