Handel’s Messiah to be performed in Ballymena this Christmas by Ulster Consort

Ballymena is set to host a special performance of Handel’s iconic masterpiece, Messiah, performed with authentic period instruments later this month.

Taking place in St Patrick’s Church, Ballymena, on Friday 28 November at 7:00pm, the concert will feature the Ulster Consort – Northern Ireland’s newest professional vocal ensemble – in an intimate, historically informed performance that echoes the sound of Handel’s original debut in Dublin in 1742.

The Ulster Consort will present the celebrated oratorio with just 14 singers, a period-instrument orchestra, and four acclaimed soloists. The performance will be conducted by the internationally renowned Matthew Owens, Music Director of the Ulster Consort, who will lead an ensemble designed to recreate the rich yet refined soundscape Handel himself would have known.

The solo line-up includes Charlotte O’Hare (soprano), Laura Lamph (mezzo-soprano), Michael Bell (tenor), and Ben McAteer (bass) – all award-winning singers with roots in Northern Ireland who have performed across the UK and Europe.

Founded in 2019 by Matthew Owens and General Manager Ali Darragh, the Ulster Consort performs a wide range of music from Renaissance polyphony to Baroque oratorio and contemporary compositions, giving around 10–12 performances each year across Ulster.

Matthew Owens said the event promises to be a highlight of Ballymena’s festive season:

“We understand that it is many years since a performance of Messiah of this nature will have been heard in the Ballymena area and our November concert in St Patrick’s Church is already proving exceptionally popular as a result.”

Ulster Consort, Co-Founder, Matthew Owens

He added:

“We’ve already been greatly encouraged by ticket sales and, with the performance anticipated to sell out very soon, we would urge concert goers in the Ballymena area to purchase their tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

Tickets for the performance are available now via Eventbrite, with strong early demand reported. Group bookings can be arranged by emailing hello@ulsterconsort.org.

For more information, visit www.ulsterconsort.org or follow the ensemble on Facebook.