HARLOW Chorus is entering into the Christmas spirit with a performance of George Frideric Handel’s much-loved oratorio, Messiah, at St John’s Church, Epping, CM16 5DN, on Saturday 9th December at 7pm.

The German born composer, who settled in London in 1712, composed the work in what scholars believe was a state of creative ecstasy. He completed the score – which includes favourite choruses such as For unto Us a Child is Born, Glory to God and the rousing Hallelujah – in an astonishing 24 days, going for long periods without food or sleep.

“Whether I was in my body or out of my body as I wrote it, I know not. God knows,” he is said to have remarked.

While Harlow Chorus’s Musical Director, Dr Edward-Rhys Harry, can’t promise the audience an out-of-body experience, he can certainly guarantee an energetic and uplifting performance!

“This version of Messiah will be full of life, energy, pace and colour,” he says. “It will drive the story and the narrative all the way through and will hopefully leave the audience feeling refreshed and excited.”

Messiah was premiered in 1742 to great acclaim and is still among the world’s most performed works. The work traces the story of Christ from the prophecy of his birth to the crucifixion and resurrection. 

Tickets are £15 (under 18s: £5). To book visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/harlowchorus