THE GERMAN composer who brought his Messiah to Dublin and introduced Italian opera to London is to be celebrated at a number of free events throughout Dublin next month.
The 250th anniversary of the death of George Frederic Handel will be marked by concerts, walking tours and Liffey cruises.
Organised by Temple Bar Cultural Trust, the Dublin Handel Festival takes place on April 15th-19th. Its aim is to to ensure a wide appreciation for Handel and his connection to Dublin.
The composer staged the world premiere of his oratorio Messiah in Neal’s Music Hall on Fishamble Street, Temple Bar, on April 13th, 1742. Dermot McLaughlin of the Temple Bar Cultural Trust said the festival marks the death of a very important figure in Dublin’s history. “Handel is one of the best-known composers. It’s amazing to think he was hanging around here in Dublin in the 18th century.”
Events on the programme include a commemoration concert at the National Concert Hall on April 14th and a stage production of Joseph O’Connor’s radio play Handel’s Crossing, to be performed on board the Jeanie Johnston on April 16th-19th.
A full festival programme is available at www.templebar.ie.
