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Irish Baroque Orchestra Revives Handel's Messiah with Period Instruments

4/4/2026

23 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Irish Baroque Orchestra, led by conductor Peter Whelan, revives Handel's Messiah in Dublin, where it premiered in 1742.
Their recording is the first Irish ensemble to use period instruments, aiming to replicate the original performance experience.
Notable soloists include contralto Susannah Cibber and countertenors from Dublin cathedral choirs, and the performance features a distinctive duet-and-chorus version of How Beautiful Are the Feet.

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Story summary

The Irish Baroque Orchestra, led by conductor Peter Whelan, revives Handel's Messiah in Dublin, where it premiered in 1742.
Their recording is the first Irish ensemble to use period instruments, aiming to replicate the original performance experience.
Notable soloists include contralto Susannah Cibber and countertenors from Dublin cathedral choirs, and the performance features a distinctive duet-and-chorus version of How Beautiful Are the Feet.