Handel’s Messiah to be Performed at Bradford Cathedral
February 10, 2026Bradford Cathedral to Host Palm Sunday Performance of Handel’s Messiah
Bradford Cathedral will host a performance of George Frideric Handel’s oratorio, Messiah, on Sunday 29 March 2026 at 7pm. The event marks the first time in over a decade that this work will be performed at the cathedral.
Details of the Performance
The concert will be presented by the Bradford Cathedral Choir under the direction of Geoffrey Woollatt, the cathedral’s Organist and Director of Music. The oratorio, which narrates the Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Christ, will be performed in three parts, including the well-known ‘Hallelujah’ chorus. Unlike many performances of Messiah, which often take place at Christmas, this concert is scheduled for Palm Sunday to coincide with the start of Holy Week and to reflect the Easter story.
The musical accompaniment will primarily feature the cathedral’s organ, played by William Campbell, Sub-Organist and Assistant Director of Music. Additional instrumentation will include trumpets and timpani. Soloists for the event will be drawn from the cathedral’s Lay Clerk and Consort choirs, including Jennifer Webb (Soprano), Csenge Kosaras (Alto), Robin Lowery-Morton (Tenor), and Robert Webb (Bass).
Preparation and Musical Approach
The Bradford Cathedral Choir has been preparing for the performance by rehearsing movements from Messiah during weekly choral services. The concert aims to reflect Handel’s original intentions by focusing on the choir and organ accompaniment rather than a large orchestra, offering an interpretation closer to the oratorio’s initial performances.
Ticket Information
- Tickets are priced at £20 for adults and £10 for under 18s.
- Advance booking is recommended due to limited availability.
- Tickets can be purchased online at handels-messiah-bradford.eventbrite.co.uk.
- Alternatively, tickets can be booked by calling the Bradford Cathedral office on 01274 77 77 20 (Monday to Thursday, 10am to 2:45pm).
