Handel Messiah
Handel Messiah
Handel Messiah, HWV 56
Alexandra Lowe soprano
Jess Dandy contralto
Thomas Elwin tenor
Henry Waddington bass-baritone
Oxford Philharmonic Choir
Marios Papadopoulos conductor
‘I did think I did see all Heaven before me,’ wrote its composer as he finished a musical reflection on faith that still brings audiences to their feet nearly three centuries after it was written. Handel’s oratorio Messiah changed the landscape of vocal music in Britain and has provided a soundtrack to the festive period for the nearly three centuries since. Join Marios Papadopoulos, a first-rate quartet of soloists and the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir for a Yuletide rendition of this rousing celebration of celestial joy and human togetherness.
The Sheldonian Theatre is a unique space to experience live music. To see an interactive map of the theatre click here.
Pre concert talk given by Prof. Martin Kemp at 18:00 (free but must be pre-booked)
Lecture Theatre, Oxford Martin School
Wren’s maths in Streeter’s ceiling for the Sheldonian
Emeritus Professor Martin Kemp will explore the relationship between art and mathematics in the painting of the Sheldonian Theatre ceiling.
11 Dec 2025
Tickets: £18, £30, £40, £54
(Students from £5)
Duration: 120 min
Venue: Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street
(Students from £5)
Upcoming events
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Paul Lewis
20 Nov 2025 – 19:30
Britain’s Beethoven pianist par-excellence, Paul Lewis, joins the orchestra in the perfect surroundings of the Sheldonian Theatre.
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Four Last Songs
27 Nov 2025 – 19:30
Lucy Crowe joins the Orchestra for a performance of Strauss’s profoundly moving Four Last Songs.
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Vocal Masterclass with Louise Alder
04 Dec 2025 – 12:30
We are delighted to welcome British soprano Louise Alder for a Vocal Masterclass with up-and-coming young singers.
Learn More
Paul Lewis
Nov 20 2025 – 19:30
Britain’s Beethoven pianist par-excellence, Paul Lewis, joins the orchestra in the perfect surroundings of the Sheldonian Theatre.
Learn More
Four Last Songs
Nov 27 2025 – 19:30
Lucy Crowe joins the Orchestra for a performance of Strauss’s profoundly moving Four Last Songs.
Learn More
Vocal Masterclass with Louise Alder
Dec 04 2025 – 12:30
We are delighted to welcome British soprano Louise Alder for a Vocal Masterclass with up-and-coming young singers.
Learn More