Handel in Dublin: An Evening of Words & Music

Ireland in the 1740s proved to be a fertile creative ground for the composer George Frederic Handel. The 56-year-old composer was invited to Dublin to give a season of subscription concerts to fundraise for the Charitable Music Society. Although there was a hive of rich musical and cultural life in Dublin, the island faced devastating hardship. His towering masterpiece, the Messiah, was premiered in Dublin in 1741. This period of his life established his links with Ireland: interest in Handel's music was waning at the time in London and he would have been offered just one performance of his Messiah there, compared to a whole series in Dublin, where his music was still flourishing. In short, Handel proved to be a resounding success in Dublin, a legacy that is fascinating to revisit.

Renowned Belfast-born conductor Kenneth Montgomery, in conversation with Alexander Oliver, opera singer, actor and former director Dutch National Opera Academy gives a look at Handel's influence in Ireland with live music performances from mezzo-soprano, Rosanne van Sandwijk, soprano Elisabeth Hetherington, Dutch lutenist David Mackor, flautist Ingrid Geerlings, and the Dudok Quartet.

This Friday evening concert & talk is the second part of a double event on the theme of Handel in Dublin, and preceded by a talk and tasting at 19.30 with renowned Ballymaloe chef, Rory O’Connell. Get a reduced price pass for both events here.

This event is part of the 2019 St. Patrick's Irish Festival Amsterdam.
An annual Dutch-Irish collaboration celebrating Irish music, arts and culture in Amsterdam. Full programme of events and more information:
www.stpatrickamsterdam.com

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