It has been 278 years since George Frideric Handel’s beloved Messiah oratorio first premiered in Dublin, Ireland in 1742. Although Messiah premiered during the Easter celebrations of 1742, through the years it has become both a Christmas and an Easter tradition for Christians everywhere in the world.

Here Are Ways to Make Messiah Part of Your 2019 Christmas Celebrations:

• Enjoy the Choir’s Recordings

The Mack Wilberg 2016 edition of the Messiah oratorio retains the aesthetics and sound of Handel’s original masterpiece but in a performance by a large chorus and orchestra. The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square were joined on this beautiful recording by acclaimed soloists Sonya Yoncheva, Tamara Mumford, Rolando Villazón, and Bryn Terfel.

Two versions are available: the Complete Oratorio, on two CDs with a bonus DVD, and the Highlights, with selected choruses and solos. The CDs are available for purchase or digital download.

The Messiah recordings are also available on Spotify.

• Watch the Choir’s Christmas Special Video: “The Messiah Story”

This dramatic and musical narrative from the 2015 Christmas concerts recounts the story of Handel’s composition and early performances of Messiah. Recorded during the 2015 Christmas concerts, narrated by British actor Martin Jarvis and performed by Metropolitan Opera soloists Erin Morley, Tamara Mumford, Ben Bliss, and Tyler Simpson, “The Messiah Story” recounts the story of Handel’s composition and early performances of Messiah.

• Participate in a Messiah Sing-In or Concert in Your Local Area

There are many opportunities during the Christmas season to participate in local school, community, or church Messiah performances and sing-ins. Some Choir fans have even had a Messiah sing-in in the privacy of their own home by singing with the recording of Messiah by the Choir!

Here are some resources from the Choir’s Messiah website page to help you prepare to enjoy your Messiah experience.

- Check out the Choir’s 2018 Messiah program pdf which includes copies of the Messiah libretto along with other information about Handel. The program pdf is available on our website in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. (Check for language translations in the blue drop-down on the right side under the page title.)

- Learn how to sing the “Hallelujah” Chorus: Watch the Choir’s video to learn the soprano, alto, tenor, or bass vocal part of the “Hallelujah” Chorus with music and orchestral accompaniment with Mack Wilberg conducting. You don’t have to be a solo quality singer—just one who enjoys the exhilarating experience of singing this inspiring music. 

- Learn more about this talented composer: George Frideric Handel: A Brief History of the Man and the Early Days of Messiah.

- Additional resource material and information about Handel can also be found on the bottom of the Choir’s Messiah page that will add to your enjoyment and understanding of this revered music that has enjoyed almost 300 years of performances around the world.

Join Us for the Choir and Orchestra’s 2020 Messiah Performances and Live Stream in April 2020.

Mark your calendars to join The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square as they perform Messiah on Friday and Saturday, April 10 and 11, 2020. Join us in person in the Tabernacle on Temple Square or through the magic of internet technology. The Messiah concert will be streamed over the internet on Saturday, April 11, and will be available online for viewing for a limited time following the concert from our website.

Watch for more details on our website for help planning your own Messiah Sing-In anywhere in the world. If you haven’t already done so, subscribe to the weekly Choir Notes newsletter for advance information on tickets and help to plan your own Messiah sing-in!

Enjoy making The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square part of your Christmas and Easter tradition!