Handel's Messiah by Candlelight

Experience Handel’s Messiah by candlelight, as Bristol Ensemble joins the Choir of Royal Holloway under the direction of Eamonn Dougan for one of the greatest masterpieces of the Baroque.

Surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight, Handel’s magnificent oratorio unfolds from the radiant opening prophecy to the jubilant Hallelujah Chorus and the majestic final Amen. With its soaring choruses, beautiful arias and music of extraordinary power Handel’s score remains one of the most enduring works in the classical repertoire.

Eamonn Dougan

Eamonn Dougan is an acclaimed conductor renowned for his expressive musicianship and engaging communication. He has conducted leading orchestras and choirs across the UK and internationally and is Associate Conductor of The Sixteen, founding Director of Britten Sinfonia Voices, Music Director of the Thomas Tallis Society and Chief Conductor of Jersey Chamber Orchestra. He is also a consultant coach for the Royal Academy of Music and a Visiting Professor at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

Choir of Royal Holloway

The Choir of Royal Holloway is considered one of the finest mixed-voice collegiate choirs in the country. The 20 choral scholars that constitute the college’s Chapel Choir undertake a busy schedule of services, concerts, tours and recordings. Royal Holloway is the only university that maintains a tradition of singing daily morning services and is home to the only choir in the country performing weekly live-streamed concerts.

Bristol Ensemble

For over thirty years, Bristol Ensemble has been at the heart of musical life in Bristol and the South West, and it remains the city’s only professional orchestra. Celebrated for its versatility, its players are specialists in period performance, bringing the same exceptional standard to everything from Bach to the Beatles. The orchestra has recorded soundtracks for the BBC, Netflix, Channel 4 and Aardman Animations, while its education arm, Preludes Music, inspires more than 6,000 children across Bristol every year.