Handel’s MESSIAH
Royal Albert Hall
Performers
Royal Choral Society
Richard Cooke conductor
Richard Pearce organ
Michael Allen trumpet
Mary Bevan soprano
Marta Fontanals-Simmons mezzo-soprano
Benjamin Hulett tenor
Edward Grint bass
The Royal Choral Society has performed Handel’s Messiah on Good Friday afternoon at the Royal Albert Hall every year since 1876, but in 2020 and 2021 these annual Easter performances had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The choir was delighted therefore, with lockdown restrictions easing, to hold a socially-distanced performance of Handel’s masterpiece at the Hall on Trinity Sunday, 30th May 2021.
In order to comply with government guidelines there was only space for an audience of 800. The choir was conducted by Royal Choral Society Music Director Richard Cooke, and accompanied by Richard Pearce on the mighty Royal Albert Hall organ. A quartet of superb soloists completed the line-up.
The Royal Choral Society was delighted to be performing Messiah this year as part of the Royal Albert Hall’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
For a report on the concert please see our NEWS page