What Messiah Means to Me

What links the Odeon cinema, famous sopranos, the war and a nationwide charity event? The answer is Handel's Messiah.

'What Messiah Means to Me' is a new interactive display that explores the thoughts and feelings of people who have come into contact with Handel's world famous oratorio. The small display brings peoples' memories right into the house where Handel wrote the score in just three weeks. You can explore the memories of Messiah until 24 March at Handel House Museum (FREE with Museum admission).

During March 2005, Handel House collected testimonials, interviewed singers and members of choral societies, and visited people who all had a story to tell about their experiences of Messiah. The exhibition, a culmination of the project, consists of a CD compilation of interviews, with the voices of singers such as Dame Janet Baker, Emma Kirkby and Anna Stéphany as well as with volunteers at Handel House. Contributions were also made from Wimbledon Choral Society, the Crouch End Festival Chorus, and Northwood Live at Home scheme.

'What Messiah Means to Me' is an ongoing project and people are still welcome to send in written testimonials to the Messiah Memory Bank. Please send them to Jane Cockcroft, Education Manager, Handel House Museum, 25 Brook Street, London, W1K 4HB, email jcockcroft@handelhouse.org.

Posted: 3 May 2005