Dublin reclaims its place in music history, on the street where it all began!
Published on 13th April 2026
Dublin City Council is today proud to mark the anniversary of Handel’s Messiah, first performed on Fishamble St on 13 April 1742.
This lunchtime up to 120 singers from Our Lady's Choral Society and invited guests will take to the street alongside The Dublin Handelian Orchestra and acclaimed mezzo-soprano Sharon Carty, performing choruses and arias from Messiah under the baton of Proinnsías Ó Duinn.
The performance is free, outdoors, and open to everyone-a lunchtime gift to the people of Dublin, on the exact ground where it all began.
On 13 April 1742, in a packed concert hall just steps from where audiences will gather today, George Frideric Handel conducted the world premiere of his oratorio Messiah and changed Western music forever.
Come along and celebrate one of the most remarkable evenings in musical history by hearing the choruses and arias that first astounded the world 284 years ago!
This annual performance will begin at 1pm.
ENDS