Handel’s oratorio Messiah is probably the most famous choral score in the world and one of the most performed works in the Western tradition. Composed in London in 1741 and premiered in Dublin the following year, it was written to celebrate Lent, recounting the story of the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ. After Handel’s death, the oratorio, which includes the most famous “Hallelujah” ever, became traditionally performed during Advent. Due to the spectacularity and beauty of its arias and choruses, the presentation of this oratorio always represents one of the highlights of the Baroque Orchestra and the Casa da Música Choir’s programming.