Messiah by George Frideric Handel was first performed in Dublin in the spring of 1742. After a rather modest reception in London, the work was eventually regarded as a triumph and has become one of the Western world's most performed and loved choral works.

Messiah was one of Handel's own favourites. He conducted the oratorio himself a number of times, often adapting it to the occasion. Handel experts Malcolm Bruno and Caroline Ritchie are now completing the first published edition of the authentic original Messiah, which will premiere at the 2017 Bergen International Festival. Here Messiah will be presented as first conceived, as an operatic entertainment, with all the extended, virtuosic arias that reveal the operatic feel of the 1740s London stage.

The Bergen International Festival and Bergen National Opera present the premiere performance, created by director, designer and video artist Netia Jones, known for her originals stagings of classical works.

Four outstanding sololists, the early music ensemble Baroque Soloists and the vocal ensembles Edvard Grieg Choir and Cathedra are led by Bjarte Eike. Michael McCarthy, director of music at Washington National Cathedral is also known for his association with the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter film.

"… the greatest composer that ever lived …"
- Ludwig van Beethoven on George Frideric Händel

Read more about the new production here

Georg Friedrich Händel, edited by Malcolm Bruno / Music Excerpts from King James Bible and The Common Book of Prayer, edited by Charles Jennens / Text Netia Jones / Director, design and video Bjarte Eike / Music Director Michael McCarthy / Associate Music Director

Scenic oratorio in 3 parts Messias 1741, published by Malcolm Bruno and Caroline Ritchie, with permission from Breitkopf & Härtel.

A new production by Bergen National Opera.

Presented by Bergen National Opera and Bergen International Festival.