Hundreds of people enjoying the sunshine in Dublin's Temple Bar were treated to a recital of Handel's Messiahyesterday afternoon, in an event marking the anniversary of its first worldwide performance in the city in 1742, writes John Downes.
The annual performance by the 110-member choir of Our Lady's Choral Society, accompanied by guest soloist Eamonn Mulhall and the National Sinfonia and conducted by Proinnsias Ó Duinn, marked the start of the 2007 Handel Festival.
The week-long festival, presented by the Temple Bar Cultural Trust, will feature free concerts, workshops, talks and a walking tour.
According to Gráinne Millar, head of cultural development with Temple Bar Cultural Trust, one of the key aims of the festival is to organise activities with a broad appeal. "We wanted to have high-quality events which are accessible, interesting and fun for people to participate in," she said.
Yesterday's 45-minute recital on Fishamble Street included an element of audience participation, with those present requested by Mr Ó Duinn to count, along with the musicians, the number of times the word "Hallelujah" was sung in one section of the performance.
This, he said, could be achieved by everyone raising their hands in the air every time the word was sung.
"It will be your Jane Fonda exercise for the day," Mr Ó Duinn said.
The crowd joined in enthusiastically, although not always strictly in time with the music.
One industrious parent was even spotted raising a young baby above his head as a way of indicating his participation.
Highlights of this year's Handel Festival include the world premiere of a specially commissioned piece of music by Irish composer Benjamin Dwyer tomorrow afternoon, a lunchtime recital of Handel's arias, duets and ensembles on Wednesday and a full performance of the Messiah at Christ Church cathedral on Friday evening.
Prebooking for many of the events is essential, with full details of the programme available at 01-6772255 or online at www.templebar.ie