
Laurence Cummings and AAM join a truly world-class team of soloists for a seasonal performance of Handel’s Messiah.
Hallelujah! Handel’s Messiah isn’t just a British Christmas fixture – it’s a landmark of European culture, performed annually at this time of year in a tradition dating back to the 18th century. With Laurence Cummings at the harpsichord, plus an A-list line-up of soloists, it’ll come up as fresh as new paint.
But then of course, you might say that the AAM has history with Messiah: back in 1980 they were the first orchestra ever to record it, complete, on period instruments. More than four decades on from that landmark achievement, it’s become normal to hear Handel’s great choral retelling of the life of Christ played in the way that Handel himself might have heard it. But Messiah always has something new to say – and AAM is always thrilled to share it.
Promoted by Academy of Ancient Music
Running time:
19:00 - 21:50 approx (including 20 minute interval)
Louise Alder is sadly unable to perform tonight because of illness. She will be replaced by Anna Devin *
Programme
Performers
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Booking fees
£4 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
Discover

Handel's Messiah: AAM In Conversation
AAM Principal Oboe, Leo Duarte, leads a conversation about Handel's Messiah, featuring Julia Kuhn, Ruth Kiang and Laurence Cummings.
Digital programme

Handel's Messiah
Read the AAM's free digital programme to find out more about the music and artists in tonight's concert.
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Hall
Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Mobility
Spaces for wheelchair users in row U at the rear of the stalls (up to sixteen, depth of row 180cm) and the back row of the circle (four), both with fold-down companion seats. Some seats in row S of the stalls for people with very limited mobility.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the concert hall where there are a limited number of suitable seats in row G of the stalls. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the cloakroom staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
There is an induction loop in the concert hall. You can use this by adjusting your hearing aid to the ‘T’ setting.
Free large-print programmes
These are available for most of our concerts. Please contact access@barbican.org.uk at least a week beforehand, to prebook a large-print programmme.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.