At a Glance

“I’ll not seek out a live Messiah for the next few years. There might be different interpretations, but there can’t be a more vivid one”***** David Nice, the Arts Desk

Peter Whelan and the Irish Baroque Orchestra plan to record Handel’s Dublin 1742 ‘Messiah’ in 2024/2025. With step-out solos taken from the IBO’s own chorus of outstanding singers, this will be a ‘Messiah’ like no other, reclaimed in its first recording from an Irish group on historical instruments. This release will be a key album in the IBO’s Irish heritage recording cycle on Linn Records, which explores the wealth of material from Ireland in the 18th century. 

Introduction 

"I cannot sufficiently express the kind treatment I receive here, but the Politeness of this generous Nation cannot be unknown to you, so I let you judge of the satisfaction I enjoy, passing my time with Honour, Profit and Pleasure".

Handel wrote these words to the librettist Charles Jennens (known for his work on the libretto for ‘Messiah’) in 1741, during his time in Dublin. The city afforded him a period of artistic rehabilitation, following a hard period in London which had affected his health and his finances. During this Dublin stay he re-worked several of his pieces for performances in the city, including ‘Esther’, ‘L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato’ & ‘Acis and Galatea’. 

Handel’s visit to Dublin will forever be associated with the first performance of Messiah at Fishamble Street in 1742. There was huge appetite for the first performance, with men encouraged to leave their swords at home, and ladies asked to remove the hoops from their skirts, so that the building could be filled. Windows had to be removed to make more space and a second performance had to be hastily arranged, such was the clamour to hear it again. 

Handel left a rich musical legacy in Dublin, bustling with interesting characters, great stories and fantastic music. This period provides the inspiration for the IBO’s Irish heritage programming, combining the rare, familiar and uniquely Irish. In this context ‘Messiah’ is both a centrepiece and a launchpad. While the piece went on to enjoy broader success some years later, it was Dublin’s audiences that took ‘Messiah’ to their hearts from the first hearing. 

The Artists

Peter Whelan and the Irish Baroque Orchestra won the Olivier Award for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Opera’ in 2022 for their work on Irish National Opera’s ‘Bajazet’ (Royal Opera House). Under the artistic direction of Peter Whelan, scholarship and musical excellence converge in a unique way through the IBO’s work, creating an original offering like no other organisation on the Irish classical music scene. Through this integration of research and practice the very idea of an orchestra is defined afresh, providing an unusual and enriching experience for today’s audiences.

As an ambassador for the stories of Ireland’s musical past, the IBO uses its unique perspective to develop the growing store of knowledge surrounding the very early days of Baroque and Classical music in Ireland. The IBO's research, recordings and performances offer audiences across Ireland a new opportunity to reevaluate and reclaim their cultural heritage, while also engaging the Irish diaspora through the increasing global reach of this work. Even Handel's Messiah - an annual touring highlight in the IBO calendar - is a rekindled link to Dublin's cultural life in 1742.

Olivier award-winner Peter Whelan is among the most dynamic and versatile exponents of historical performance of his generation, with a remarkable career as a conductor and director. He is Artistic Director of the Irish Baroque Orchestra as well as Curator for Early Music of Norwegian Wind Ensemble. Peter is an acclaimed solo artist with an extensive and award-winning discography as a solo bassoonist.

Peter’s artistic direction in live performance and the recording studio has been widely praised for its “rich insight, style and charisma” (Guardian), its “stylish verve” (BBC Music Magazine) and “phenomenally energetic direction” (Artsdesk). As a champion of early music, Peter represents “the very best of contemporary trends in bringing this music to life: flex and zest with tempi, lithe and vigorous … an incredible alertness to colors and moods summoned by the cut-and-thrust harmonic footwork of this music” (Operawire).

Acclaim for the IBO’s performance of the 1742 Dublin ‘Messiah’ at London’s Wigmore Hall in April 2023 

“A wonderfully vital and compelling account of Handel’s original version of Messiah where the performers’ sheer sense of joy came over in every note.” Robert Hugill, Planet Hugill 

Audience Reactions 

“An amazing, beautiful and emotionally uplifting experience. For me, without a doubt, the outstanding musical experience of my life so far, bar none”

“The most astonishing performance I’ve ever seen. Every soloist was amazing - so passionate and clearly delighting in each others’ performances too. Really wonderful!”

“An absolutely glorious performance of Messiah”

All donations of any size are gratefully welcomed to this appeal! 

Tiers and Rewards

€25 - €99: Handel Hero 

Receive a copy of the CD plus an exclusive pre-release track. 

€100 - €299: Recitative 

Naming association with any Recitative, in liner notes and on IBO website 

Invitation to CD launch event 

Access to exclusive supporters events 

Receive a copy of the CD plus an exclusive pre-release track. 

€300 - €499: Aria 

Naming association with any Aria, in liner notes and on IBO website

Invitation to CD launch event

See all album artwork ahead of public release 

Access to exclusive supporters events 

Receive a copy of the CD plus an exclusive pre-release track. 

€500 - €999: Chorus 

Naming association with any Chorus (except Hallelujah, Worthy is the Lamb or Amen), in liner notes and on IBO website

Invitation to CD launch event

Invitation to CD recording sessions 

See all album artwork ahead of public release

Access to exclusive supporters events 

Receive a copy of the CD plus an exclusive pre-release track. 

€1,000+: Hallelujah 

Naming association with the Overture, the Hallelujah, Worthy is the Lamb or the Amen, in liner notes and on IBO website 

Invitation to CD launch event

Invitation to CD recording sessions 

See all album artwork ahead of public release

Receive commemorative framed album artwork 

Access to exclusive supporters events 

Receive 5 copies of the CD 

Your support is a part of our story. After making your donation we will contact you to match you to an available movement of ‘Messiah’, with your support credited in the liner for this landmark recording.

Thank you so much - we are extremely excited about making this recording, and we couldn't do it without you!