RTÉ Concert Orchestra returns to Knock Basilica for Handel's Messiah
Following unprecedented sell-out performances at the Knock Basilica in 2017 and 2018, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra returns to on Saturday, November 22, at 8 p.m. for a performance of the world’s most famous and beloved Handel’s Messiah, renowned for stunning choruses and arias, thundering timpani and blazing choruses.
Featuring the RTÉ Concert Orchestra conducted by Nicholas Chalmers, an incomparable line up of soloists and one of Ireland’s finest vocal ensembles, this will be a sensational evening of delightful and thrilling music making.
The first ever performance of the Messiah took place at Neal’s New Musick Hall in Dublin’s Fishamble Street in 1742.
The “subscription list of six hundred persons was quite filled”, according to Handel himself, as ladies heeded pleas by management to wear dresses ‘without hoops’ in order to make ‘room for more company’ – something we trust will not be a problem at the more commodious Basilica!
Aoife Miskelly - Soprano
Northern Irish Soprano Aoife Miskelly is known for her extensive breadth of repertoire and versatility as a singing actress.
She is an award-winning graduate and Associate of the Royal Academy of Music London.
After several seasons singing major roles as a principal soloist at Oper Köln, she is now a freelance soloist.
Her career takes her across Europe and beyond, with appearances at major houses including La Monnaie, the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, Hyogo Performing Arts Center, Japan and the Royal Opera House Oman.
Anne Marie Gibbons - Mezzo Soprano
Mayo born and based Mezzo Soprano Anne Marie Gibbons studied at the Conservatory of Music and Drama, Dublin, and at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester.
She has performed all over the world in some of the most renowned concert halls and opera houses.
Such international appearances include Covent Garden London, English National Opera, London, Adelaide, Paris, Versailles, Madrid, Lausanne, Nice, New York, Sydney and the Birmingham Symphony Hall.
In Ireland she has appeared with orchestras including the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, The National Symphony Orchestra, The Irish Chamber Orchestra and The Irish Baroque Orchestra.
Andrew Gavin - Tenor
Andrew completed his Masters in Music Performance at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in 2016.
He is also a graduate of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, where he attained First Class Honours in English Literature.
He also holds an M. Phil in Children’s Literature from Trinity College, Dublin. In 2016 he was awarded the PwC/Wexford Festival Opera Emerging Young Artist Bursary and is a former member of INO’s ABL Aviation Opera Studio.
Rory Musgrave - Baritone
From Cleggan, Connemara, Rory’s international career has grown in recent years.
International appearances include Bari, Heidenheim and Rheinsberg, Germany, the Lithuanian National Opera House, Vilnius, Opera Holland Park, London and Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, Japan.
In Ireland he appears regularly with Wexford Festival Opera and the Cork Opera House. Rory is a former Associate Artist at the Cork Opera House and an alumni of the RIAM.
Nicholas Chalmers - Conductor
Nicholas Chalmers is one of the leading conductors in the UK.
His energy and vision have seen the establishment of highly successful artistic and education projects and his work impacts thousands of young people each year.
Nicholas is driven by a passion to bring classical music to the next generation.
The RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Founded in 1948, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra has a vibrant, eclectic repertoire encompassing popular, classical, jazz, traditional and more and in recent times was voted ‘The World’s Favourite Orchestra’.
Resurgam
Resurgam was founded in 2003 by Mark Duley, and is one of Ireland’s most acclaimed vocal ensembles.
Resurgam is the premiere project-based professional choir in the country, and many of its singers have parallel careers as international soloists.
It inspires audiences and partner choirs the length and breadth of Ireland, bringing alive the emotional drama found in so much vocal music.
Tickets Online: knockmessiah2025.eventbrite.ie
Ticket Outlet: Knock Shrine Information Centre