The Messiah oratorio (“Handel’s Messiah”) was composed by George Frideric Handel (1685 – 1759). The lyrics were penned by his friend and patron Charles Jennens (1700 – 1773) and are based on the King James Bible and the Coverdale Psalter. Handel’s Messiah has become a Christmas staple for all serious orchestras.

The famous composition was an Easter offering, first performed in Dublin on April 13, 1742. The Hallelujah Chorus is perhaps the most widely recognized part of the oratorio. This version was presented by the Grand Rapids Symphony, in the early months of COVID lockdowns.

Hallelujah!