Handel's Messiah at Rochester Cathedral

Handel Messiah

Following their sell-out tour in 2023, Wild Arts brings their trademark fresh and innovative approach to Handel's legendary telling of the Christmas story to Rochester Cathedral for the first time.

The period specialist players of the Wild Arts Ensemble join the star singers of the summer opera tour for an innovative version that will bring the music and story to life. Staging will be performed by the company tailored to each venue from a framework devised by theatre and opera director Tom Morris (Breaking the Waves, Dr Semmelweis, War Horse), with Wild Arts' Artistic Director Orlando Jopling directing from the keyboard.

Lucy Hall & Natasha Page soprano
Catherine Backhouse & Martha Jones mezzo
Guy Elliott & Sam Marston tenor
Timothy Nelson baritone
Edward Hawkins bass

Sijie Chen & Will McGahon violin
Oscar Holch viola
Jonny Byers cello
Marianne Schofield bass
Mark Baigent & Geoff Coates oboe
Chris Rawley bassoon
Brendan Musk & Sam Lewis trumpet
Louise Goodwin timpani
Orlando Jopling harpsichord

You are welcome to arrive from 6.30pm and the performance will begin at 7.15pm.

Drinks: The Rochester Crypt Café will be open to serve pre-concert and interval drinks on the night of the performance. The entrance to the Medieval Crypt is located on the south side of the cathedral, and will be clearly signposted.

Duration: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes including interval

£50 | £40 | £35 | £30 | £27.50 | £25 | £20 | £15 | £15 for under 25s

Arrows have been provided to demonstrate the direction of view of the Band H side seats. Please note that these seats do not have a view of the stage.

The Cathedral is fully accessible and wheelchair spaces are available on request with a free carer seat alongside. Please email us at info@wildarts.org.uk for any access or seating questions and we would be very happy to help.

Rochester Cathedral is England's second oldest, a beautiful and spectacular church that has been celebrating Christian worship since 604AD. The present building dates back to the work of the French monk Bishop Gundulf in 1083. It boasts glorious Norman architecture in its nave, a medieval crypt, as well as one of the finest Romanesque facades in England.

The Cathedral is blessed with some fine examples of later Gothic styles as well as the magnificent 14th century Chapter Library door. Hidden from view (although it can be viewed by special appointment) is one of the oldest doors in England.