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Handel's Messiah

Britten Sinfonia

Lestyn Davies sitting portrait 2017

Britten Sinfonia are joined by a stellar quartet of soloists for a festive performance of Handel’s thrilling and jubilant Messiah.

Barbican Associate Ensemble Britten Sinfonia are joined by a scintillating line-up of some of the UK’s finest singers for the annual Barbican performance of Handel’s Messiah.  With its brilliant arias and magnificent choruses, it is easy to see why Handel’s emotionally charged portrayal of biblical scenes is a popular fixture on many people’s Christmas calendar.

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architecture detail of the barbican hall

Composer Focus – Episode 1: George Frideric Handel with Iestyn Davies

Ed Seckerson is joined by countertenor Iestyn Davies to discuss George Frideric Handel, the German-born composer whose prolific portfolio of operas and hits such as the Water Music, and Messiah, won the hearts of the British public.

architecture detail of the barbican hall

Composer Focus – Episode 2: Benjamin Britten with Roderick Williams

In episode two, host Ed Seckerson is joined by baritone and composer Roderick Williams to discuss Benjamin Britten, a complex and often contradictory character, and one of the 20th century’s greatest opera composers.

photo of handel

Listen: Barbican Essentials - Handel

Our selection of the best of Handel's music.

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Watch: Britten Sinfonia Season Trailer 2018-19

Watch Britten Sinfonia's 2018-19 season, which offers a world-class line-up of musicians, conductors and composers, with programmes drawing intriguing connections across a wide array of music.

an orchestra playing classical music in the barbican hall in central london

Listen: Classical Music on Spotify

Follow our regularly updated Classical Music playlist for a sample of the music you'll hear across our programme. 

Cocktails, concrete and tonnes of charm

Pop into the Martini Bar for a pre-performance tipple, with Happy Hour from 5-6pm

Barbican Hall