The Messiah oratory is one of the best-known work of the music literature, which brought well-deserved public success. The virtuoso composition was born in a virtuous way: in 1742 for supporting the orphanage in Dublin, Händel composed in only 24 days the Messiah oratory. This short creating time reflects well the genius’ speed, in fact, even to copy with the contemporary hand-writing technique would be a challenge in this short time.

Art in that time couldn’t exist without patronage, Händel’s main supporter was the English king, George the 2nd himself. When the king listened to the Messiah for the first time, and to its Hallelujah theme, because of his fascination he stood up and listened to it standing. Since this moment, Hallelujah is listened to by standing in England, moreover, English considerate it as their second hymn.

There is no Christmas without the Messiah of Händel, the concert on the 20th provides a special experience for the audience in this year too. In the marvelous environment of the St. Stephen’s Basilica, the outstanding, complex composition shifts this evening to a unique musical event, the one and only Messiah concert in the year.