“An unusual production of Handel’s Messiah” by The Merry Opera Company

Twelve professional singers play characters from everyday life who find themselves in this sacred place. They do not know each other, and they have their own reasons for being there. But each is in search of something — consolation, affirmation, forgiveness, direction. Some of them carry the concept of a Messiah in their hearts; some lack that and may feel an absence; some are not religious at all. As they sing through this traditional and monumental work, they engage with each other and themselves, ultimately experiencing the transformation from need and despair to understanding and hope.

Audiences report that this production gives Handel’s Messiah ‘new meaning’, ‘new invigoration’. For this year’s tour, half the professional cast and the organist are Northern Irish musicians.

This event takes place on 7.30pm on Friday 22 November in St Patrick’s COI Cathedral.

Tickets (£20 for adults, £10 for under 16s) are available through www.merryopera.com or by phone 03336 664466. ”