mezzo-soprano
Sun-Ly Pierce

George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)

One of the towering figures of the Baroque era, George Frideric Handel was born in Germany, trained in Italy, and achieved lasting fame in England, where he spent most of his career. Known for his masterful operas, oratorios, and orchestral works, Handel had an extraordinary ability to blend dramatic expression with lyrical beauty.

Composed in 1741, Messiah is Handel’s most famous oratorio and one of the most performed choral works in Western music. Unlike many of his earlier oratorios, which told dramatic Biblical stories, Messiah offers a contemplative meditation on the life of Christ, from prophecy and birth to death and resurrection. The work draws from both the Old and New Testaments, set to a libretto by Charles Jennens.

Written in an astonishing 24 days, Messiah was originally intended for performance during Lent and Easter, not Christmas. Its premiere took place in Dublin in 1742, to great acclaim, and it has since become a cornerstone of holiday celebrations worldwide. With its dazzling arias, powerful choruses, and deeply spiritual message—embodied most famously in the majestic “Hallelujah” chorus—Messiah continues to inspire and uplift audiences nearly three centuries after its creation.