Hallelujah! Handel’s Messiah to be Performed in Spectacular Concert at Bradford Cathedral

Ever had a massive, booming piece of music stuck in your head, the kind you hear in films when something epic happens? Chances are it’s the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus. Well, that famous tune is part of a much bigger, brilliant piece of choral music called Handel's Messiah. And for the first time in over ten years, this spectacular oratorio is coming back to Bradford Cathedral.

On Sunday, 29th March 2026, the entire Cathedral Choir will put on a massive performance of this iconic work. This special event promises an unforgettable evening of exceptional music, set within the stunning walls of the historic cathedral.

An Easter performance with a twist

Now, many people think of Handel's Messiah as a Christmas thing, and it often is. But the team at Bradford Cathedral are doing something a bit different. They're staging this huge concert on Palm Sunday, the very first day of Holy Week, to really celebrate the Easter story. And what a story it is. The oratori, which is basically a big story told through music, with singers and solos but no acting or costume, tells the tale of Christ's Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection. It’s a powerful journey, and hearing it at the start of the most important week in the Christian calendar is going to be incredibly moving. The performance will take the audience from moments of pure joy to deep sorrow, showing off just how powerful choral music can be. This isn't just any old concert; it's a deeply meaningful event designed to connect with the spirit of Easter.

The stars of the show

Putting on a performance of this scale is a huge job, and the entire Bradford Cathedral Choir is already deep in rehearsals. This isn't just a handful of people; it’s the full force of the Choristers, the professional Lay Clerks, and the Consort choir coming together. Leading this incredible group of singers is the Cathedral's Organist and Director of Music, Geoffrey Woollatt, who will be conducting the performance.

The solos, which are some of the most beautiful and challenging parts of Handel's Messiah, will be performed by accomplished singers from within the choir’s own ranks. This fantastic lineup includes Jennifer Webb (Soprano), Csenge Kosaras (Alto), Robin Lowery-Morton (Tenor), and Robert Webb (Bass). Having such talented soloists come from the cathedral's own team makes this performance of the famous oratorio even more special.

A sound Handel would have loved

While many modern performances of Handel's Messiah use a massive orchestra for the accompaniment, the concert at Bradford Cathedral is aiming for something a little different and, arguably, more authentic. This performance will put the spotlight firmly on the choir, just as Handel originally intended. Instead of a huge orchestra, the main musical accompaniment will come from the magnificent Cathedral Organ.

This is a massive undertaking for one person, and that person is the Cathedral’s Sub-Organist and Assistant Director of Music, William Campbell. To add extra sparkle and power to the sound, the organ will be joined by trumpets and timpani, which will highlight the most dramatic moments of the oratorio. It’s a chance to hear this masterpiece in a way that’s closer to how it would have sounded in Handel’s day, with the raw power of the organ and the purity of the choral music taking centre stage.

From the conductor's perspective

The man leading the whole event, conductor Geoffrey Woollatt, is incredibly excited about bringing this performance to Bradford. It’s a piece he knows well, having previously led it during his time at Manchester Cathedral. He says, ‘I'm very much looking forward to conducting our performance of Handel's Messiah in March.

I was privileged to conduct this work during my time at Manchester Cathedral, and we've already started teaching movements to the choir, as well as singing movements during services. It promises to be a wonderful event, accompanied by our very own William Campbell, who has the mammoth task of accompanying the whole oratorio on our wonderful Cathedral Organ.’ This insight from the conductor highlights the dedication of the choir and the sheer skill required for such a monumental performance.

Get your tickets before they're gone

This special concert is happening on Sunday, 29th March 2026, which is Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week, making it a perfect way to begin the Easter season. The performance starts at 7pm in the beautiful setting of the cathedral. Given that this is the first time in over a decade that Handel's Messiah will be performed at Bradford Cathedral, tickets are expected to sell out fast. Early booking is definitely a good idea to make sure you don't miss out on this incredible musical event.

Tickets for the concert are priced from £20 for adults and just £10 for under 18s, making it an accessible evening for everyone. You can secure your spot by booking tickets online at https://handels-messiah-bradford.eventbrite.co.uk, or by calling the Cathedral office. Don't miss the chance to experience the powerful story of the Passion and Resurrection through this stunning oratorio.