Handel's Messiah needs no introduction. Since its first performance in 1742, this great oratorio has remained a much loved part of our musical life, its popularity enduring through two and a half centuries of changes in musical tastes and performance styles. Whether you've heard it many times before or are coming to it for the first time, we've got three very good reasons why you'll enjoy our performance in November. * Exciting young soloists: our six soloists are all making their Messiah debuts, bringing fresh new voices to Handel's arias. Armenian bass-baritone Arshak Kuzikyan is a Samling Artist and he is joined by five younger singers who have been selected for this year's Samling Academy programme. * Baroque orchestra: the sensitive playing of our professional period instrument orchestra, led by Caroline Balding, inspires us all. Messiah is accompanied mostly by strings, with the magnificent sound of baroque trumpets enhancing the most joyful moments of Handel's oratorio. * Passionate choral singing: as a group, we bring together many different musical backgrounds and experiences, combining our experiences to deliver engaged and committed singing. We're looking forward to performing Handel's marvellous music in Durham Cathedral, and we hope you'll be able to join us on 19 November. Soloists: Samling Artist: Arshak Kuzikyan, bass-baritone and Samling Academy Singers: Ana Fernández Guerra, soprano Lewis Cullen, countertenor Jordan Carlton, tenor Charlotte Potter, soprano Inés Antunes, mezzo-soprano
