This oratorio was composed in the spirit of Mendelssohn’s baroque predecessors Bach and Handel, whose music he greatly admired.
It was first performed on 26 August 1846 at Birmingham Town Hall in its English version, conducted by the composer, and it was immediately acclaimed a classic of the genre.
As The Times critic wrote, “Never was there a more complete triumph – never a more thorough and speedy recognition of a great work of art”.
Featuring a full quartet of soloists the work stands second only to Messiah in its enduring popularity with singers and audiences alike.
This auditorium seats 410, with a stage big enough for an 80-piece orchestra. There is raked choir seating to suit a choir of up to 100. It is also equipped with AV and a drop-down screen, perfect for film viewing and lectures.
The Space Sevenoaks School
Sevenoaks,
Kent
TN13 1HU
United Kingdom