Explore the choruses of Handel's Messiah with Sestina and a full ensemble of authentic period instruments!

This April, Sestina will perform Handel's Messiah to audiences in Kilkenny and Belfast. Alongside these performances, we are delighted to present Sing with Sestina: Messiah - a ‘come and sing’ project focusing on an authentic approach to the work. This project has both online and live elements, and singers are welcome to take part in either or both parts. Participants will have access to high quality learning resources to guide them through this fantastic work one chorus at a time, and have the opportunity to attend live online sectionals in March 2022 with Sestina’s Musical Director, Mark Chambers, and Sestina singers Charlotte Trepess (soprano), Beth Taylor (alto), Graham Cooper (tenor) and Aaron O’Hare (bass). Live tutti workshops with the full ensemble will take place in Kilkenny and Belfast on the 23rd & 24th April 2022.

This programme is aimed at anyone who enjoys choral singing and has an interest in learning the work, or learning more about an authentic stylistic approach to the music. Reading music is helpful but not essential, as you will have sample recordings to help you learn the music. Please note that singers must be aged 18 and over to attend the workshop.
Access to online resources (tutorial videos, sample singer recordings, bespoke backing tracks and annotated scores) is free of charge: you can register on our website.

Participation in the online sectionals is free of charge: you can register on our website.

The live tutti workshops will last approximately 90 minutes, and explore the 8 choruses covered in the learning resources and online sectionals. Singers will have the opportunity to sing along with the full ensemble, all performing on authentic period instruments.
A discounted combination ticket is available if you wish to both participate in the workshop and attend the evening performances in either Kilkenny or Belfast.