Messiah is Handel’s most renowned work. Premièred in Dublin in 1742, this oratorio was an immediate triumph: demand for tickets was so great that gentlemen were asked to “leave their swords at home” and ladies to attend “without hoops in their skirts” to make room for more attendees and thus increase the proceeds “going to charitable causes”. During the great alto aria “He was despised”, Reverend Delany, overcome with emotion, stood up in the audience and cried out to the singer: “Woman, for this be all thy sins forgiven thee !”».

When later performed in London, Messiah quickly became Handel’s signature piece. Performed thirty-six times during his lifetime, it soon came to embody all that is majestic and sublime in music. Charles Jennens constructed the libretto, dedicated to Christ, in three parts: the Nativity, the Passion and Resurrection, and the Redemption. The ideal alternation between solo arias and choral numbers is masterful, and Handel’s lyrical genius shines throughout the work: whether tender or triumphant, the arias are among his finest. The unforgettable choruses have echoed in listeners’ ears for over 250 years. In London, King George II was so moved by the “Hallelujah” that he stood up, followed by the entire audience – a tradition upheld by British audiences ever since.

The Chœur de l’Opéra Royal and the Orchestre de l’Opéra Royal, conducted by Théotime Langlois de Swarte, will be the perfect accompaniment for a quartet of first-rate young singers.

Royal Opera Productions.

CD available in the Château de Versailles Spectacles collection.

Concert in English with surtitles in French.

First part : 1h20min

Intermission

Second part : 1h10min

PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY : Best seats in house, you will receive a complimentary programme and a glass of champagne.

PRESTIGE CATEGORY : Excellent seats, you will receive a complimentary programme and a glass of champagne.

REDUCED RATE : applicable to under 26s, Chateau de Versailles Spectacles card holders and groups of more than 10 people (excluding special company offer).

GROUP RATES : for more information, please refer to our page dedicated to works councils and groups.

In case of any technical problem, the box office service remains available to complete your order by phone at +33 (0)1 30 83 78 89 (Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm) or in our box office-shop (3 bis rue des Réservoirs, 78000 Versailles ; Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm, and on Saturdays with concerts or shows except during the Musical Fountains Shows, from 2pm to 5pm).

To ensure the best welcome possible, people with limited mobility are advised to book their seats by telephone.