When Was Messiah First Performed in London?

By Michael Ferguson

Messiah is one of the most iconic and enduring works in the history of music. Composed by George Frideric Handel, this masterpiece has been performed countless times around the world since its premiere in Dublin in 1742.

But when was Messiah first performed in London? Let’s dive into the history of this legendary piece and find out.

Handel’s Early Years

George Frideric Handel was born in Germany in 1685 and began his musical career as a composer and performer in Hamburg. He later moved to Italy, where he became known for his operas and oratorios. In 1710, Handel moved to London, where he quickly established himself as a leading composer and musician.

The Premiere of Messiah

Messiah was first performed on April 13, 1742, at the Great Music Hall on Fishamble Street in Dublin, Ireland. The performance was a huge success, with more than 700 people attending the concert. The work was performed by a small orchestra and choir, with soloists including Christina Maria Avoglio, Susannah Cibber, John Beard, and Thomas Reinhold.

Messiah Comes to London

After its premiere in Dublin, Messiah quickly became one of Handel’s most popular works. The piece was performed numerous times throughout Europe over the next few years before finally making its way to London.

The first performance of Messiah in London took place on March 23, 1743, at the Covent Garden Theatre. The work was performed as part of a series of concerts organized by Handel himself to raise money for various charities.

A Controversial Premiere

The premiere of Messiah in London was not without controversy. Some critics objected to the religious subject matter of the work and felt that it was inappropriate for performance in a theatre setting. Others criticized the work’s length and complexity.

Despite these criticisms, Messiah was a huge success in London. The work was performed numerous times over the next few years, with Handel himself conducting many of the performances.

The Legacy of Messiah

Today, Messiah is considered one of Handel’s greatest works and is widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of Western classical music. The piece has been performed countless times around the world and has become a beloved part of the Christmas season for many people.

In conclusion, Messiah was first performed in London on March 23, 1743, at the Covent Garden Theatre. Despite some initial controversy, the work quickly became one of Handel’s most popular pieces and has since become an enduring masterpiece that continues to be celebrated to this day.