Handel’s ‘Messiah’ – Cape Town

After the first performances of Messiah in Dublin in 1742, Handel performed the oratorio several times more during his lifetime. For each of these performances, he adjusted the work according to the singers and instrumentalists available to him – a common practice during the baroque period.  Following the Cape Town Baroque Orchestra’s (CTBO) reconstruction of the first 1742 Dublin performance at the end of last year, we will present the work again in November 2024, this time featuring several of the alternative (and not often heard) versions of arias and choruses. CTBO’s Artistic Director, Erik Dippenaar, has specifically selected versions of the arias and recitatives which will position the three soprano soloists as narrators, guiding the unfolding of the dramatic arch of this oratorio.

According to CTBO’s usual practice, the orchestra will play on period-appropriate instruments, consisting of period stringed instruments, chamber organ, harpsichord, theorbo, baroque oboe, baroque trumpet, and calfskin baroque timpani. CTBO will be joined on stage by Lutesong Consort, an ensemble of 12 professional singers, who will sing the chorus parts, with the soloists also forming part of the vocal ensemble.*

This smaller setup of instruments and voices gives this work a lighter, chamber music-like feeling, which will illuminate the expressive nuances in the music and text.

The performance will be directed from the harpsichord by Erik Dippenaar.

*Lutesong Consort
Soprano: Lynelle Kenned (soloist), Elsabé Richter (soloist), Louise Howlett (soloist)
Alto: Lente Louw (soloist), Nick de Jager, Vasti Zeeman-Knoesen
Tenor: Sandile Mabaso (soloist), Levi Alexander, Christiaan Bell
Bass: Conroy Scott (soloist), Keaton Manwaring, Luvo Rasmeni

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Please also join us during the interval for a complimentary glass of wine.

This performance is generously supported by the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, the Rupert Musiekstigting and Overstrand Kunste/Arts (OAK). A historically informed Messiah performance featuring a large cast of professional singers and instrumentalists is tremendously expensive to produce. Tickets to this and other Cape Town Baroque Orchestra performances are always subsidised by our generous sponsors. If you would like to contribute to this special project beyond your own ticket cost, please use Quicket’s optional project donation function when you buy your ticket.