Music lovers will have a chance to hear Handel’s best-loved oratorio, Messiah, sung by 140 voices and renowned soloists at Worcester Cathedral on Saturday 10 December at 7.30pm.

The concert, which includes the stirring Hallelujah chorus, is being staged by the region’s leading large classical choir, Worcester Festival Choral Society, under the baton of Worcester Cathedral director of music, Samuel Hudson.

Also appearing are acclaimed soloists Philippa Hyde (soprano), Sarah Denbee (mezzo soprano), Tom Robson (tenor) and Edward Grint (bass baritone). Accompanying is the Meridian Sinfonia, playing Baroque-pitch instruments.

Written 280 years ago, Handel’s Messiah remains one of the world’s most popular choral works. When King George II attended its premiere in 1742, he is said to have been so moved by the Hallelujah chorus that he rose to his feet – a tradition that audiences continue today. The oratorio is also packed with other well-known arias and choruses, such as For unto us a child is born, And He shall purify and The trumpets shall sound.

Established in 1861 and closely associated with Sir Edward Elgar in its early years, Worcester Festival Choral Society draws its auditioned singers from across the region. The Society stages three major concerts in Worcester Cathedral each year, bringing some of the world’s ‘great choral works’ to the City. A Come & Sing one-day workshop, open to all singers, is also held each spring.

Tickets cost £15-£27 and can be purchased here: wfcs.online