The Dublin Handel Festival is an annual event that takes place in April in the cultural quarter of Dublin’s Temple Bar. 2009 marks the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death and the 7 day festival takes place from Monday the 13th to Sunday the 19th of April. We’ve compiled a list of 5 reasons why you won’t want to miss this popular event.
Who was George Frederic Handel? George Frederic Handel was a German-born musical genius and composer. He spent most of his life in London and over the years his works became known to many composers including Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn to name a few!
On 13 April 2024 Handel, accompanied by 5 men and 26 boys from the choirs of Christchurch Cathedral and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, first performed ‘The Messiah’ in the New Musick Hall on Fishamble Street, Temple Bar. Messiah was Handel’s most famous oratorio and was based on the Birth, Passion and Aftermath of the life of Jesus Christ.
The Dublin Handel Festival is a popular festival that celebrates Handel’s life and work as well as his links to Dublin. The event continues to grow each year and 2009 celebrates the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death - it promises to be the most spectacular festival to date so come along and join in the festivities.
1. Admission to the festival is free, yes FREE, and you’re assured of wonderful entertainment for all the family.
2. Learn about the musical genius George Frederic Handel, about his life, amazing works, his death, and how his music and memory live on.
3. For those who appreciate contemporary music then this is a festival for you. Here you’ll be entertained with first class performances from the musical genius.
4. You can attend concerts, talks, tours, take part in interactive activities, family events and don’t miss out on the full-length performance of the Messiah in Christ Church Cathedral by the Christ Church Cathedral Choir and the Orchestra of St Cecilia.
5. While you’re here you can explore the cultural quarter of Temple Bar and the surrounding areas; visit the many shopping streets and districts Dublin has to offer; treat those taste buds with tempting traditional and modern cuisine from the many fine restaurants, cafés and bars in plentiful supply throughout the city; and not forgetting sussing out the many tourist attractions.
Find out more about the Dublin Handel Festival.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay it’s probably a good idea to book well in advance. Take a look at our list of hotels in Dublin city centre.
Have you been to the Dublin Handel Festival? We’d love to hear from you if you have any comments or questions. Drop us a line in the message box below.
