by Tallis Choral Foundation with Baroque in the North
Friday 13th November, 6.30pm
On Friday the 13th of November at 6:30 pm, the Tallis Choral Foundation performs Handel’s iconic Messiah in Cirencester, with period instruments from Baroque in the North. I gather it has been a few years since the last performance of Handel’s monumental oratorio in Cirencester.
For those who may not know us, the Tallis Choral Foundation is a relatively new ensemble that is breaking into the nation’s classical music scene with great momentum. We incorporated as a charity in 2025 and have since gone from strength to strength.
Our aim is simple: to bring the highest quality music to audiences nationwide, whilst creating invaluable and authentic performance opportunities for some of the finest young singing talent that the nation has to offer.
The singers who will perform this evening are all under the age of 30 (some only just 18). However, do not let their age fool you. These singers have ascended the ranks of the finest cathedral and abbey choirs across the land, and have since gone on to study at Oxbridge, Royal Holloway, and prestigious conservatoires. Now, they are cutting their teeth and emerging as respected solo and ensemble singers.
This performance of Messiah is one that Handel himself is sure to approve of. Today, Messiah is typically the preserve of large choral societies, large orchestras, and soloists. Instead, our performance goes ‘back to basics’ by utilising the forces that Handel intended. The large choir is replaced by sixteen hand-picked singers and an orchestra of twelve players, allowing the music to breathe. The orchestra will play on historical instruments, directly modelled on those from the Baroque period, four soloists replaced with the singers directly stepping out from the chorus to perform the arias. We are also delighted to have both harpsichord and chamber organ to create our continuo accompaniment (bassline).
The Tallis Choral Foundation is no stranger to the Cotswolds, as we regularly perform at Tewkesbury Abbey. However, this performance of Messiah in the stunning, candlelit surroundings of Saint John’s is not to be missed!
Tickets £20.21 including fee, from eventbrite.
We hope to welcome you there.
Chris Why
Artistic Director of Tallis Choral Foundation
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