Composed in just two weeks in 1741, Messiah’s fate took a turn when Handel was invited to perform in Dublin in 1742. The piece has stayed with us ever since!
What about us — Canada?
The first performance of Handel's Messiah in Canada took place in Toronto in December 1857. This was followed by a major performance in 1894 at the opening of Massey Hall, featuring a 500-member chorus and a 70-member orchestra. The event drew an audience of 3,500 people!
The NAC Orchestra’s first performance of Messiah in Ottawa was in December 1970. St. Matthew’s Anglican Church joined the tradition with their own performance on November 21, 1993.
Stay part of the tradition — come watch L’Harmonie des saisons give a soulful performance of Messiah!

🚩 Wednesday, December 10, 2025
🚩 Mercredi 10 décembre 2025
📌 7:30 pm | 19 H 30
📍 Christ Church Cathedral
