Event Details

The King's Counterpoint is excited to present "A Chamber Music Messiah" (1745 London Revival Version) this spring - the next installment of our annual "'Messiah' Versions" series, bringing all of Handel's variations of this masterpiece of choral music to our Charleston audiences!

Most are not aware that Handel created no less than nine different versions of 'Messiah,' each containing adjustments and edits which he made over the years to suit his vocalists, venues, or audiences - there are in fact more than 40 versions of the 15 solos alone!

Handel introduced 'Messiah' in London at the Covent Garden theater in 1743, but after a lukewarm initial reception he opted not to present the work at all in 1744. At the librettist's request, Handel then made several changes in the music for the 1745 Revival, transposing pieces for alternate voices, creating choral pieces from solos, and shortening some movements. The result is a seldom-heard combination of movements that King's Counterpoint is excited to bring to our Charleston audiences this spring!

In 2024 we presented a combination of the 1741 Autograph and 1742 Dublin Premiere Versions of this fabulous work, and now - continuing what is becoming an annual Easter-season tradition! - KCP will present the next chronological installment of 'A Chamber Music Messiah', the London 1745 Revival Version.

Don't miss out on hearing this unique, wonderful version of Handel's masterpiece of choral music!