A "historically informed" rendition of Handel's Messiah will create a soundscape similar that which the German-British composer would have experienced at the piece's world-premiere in Dublin - back in 1742.

14 singers of the Ulster Consort, joined by four soloists and an orchestra of period instruments, will perform Handel's piece at St Macartin's Cathedral in Enniskillen on Friday, December 6.

The performance will be conducted by Matthew Owens, who is music director of the Ulster Consort.

Soloists Miriam Allan (soprano), Frances Gregory (mezzo-soprano), Matthew Long (tenor), and Dingle Yandell (bass) will be travelling to Enniskillen from London and beyond to lend their vocal talents.

The Ulster Consort was established in 2019 by Mr Owens and general manager Ali Darragh.

The group is flexible, ranging from a few performers to a group of 40 or more musicians.

Each year, they give 10 to 12 performances across Ulster, from Renaissance polyphony and Baroque oratorio through to contemporary music.

Mr Owens said: "When the Ulster Consort was invited by Music in Fermanagh to perform at the Ardhowen Theatre in February of this year, we were humbled by the wonderful warmth and enthusiasm with which we were received by the audience – something for which Fermanagh is so widely renowned.

"We very much look forward to performing again for the people of Fermanagh when we make our return to Enniskillen in December for the first of our annual performances of Messiah.

"We understand that it is many years since a full performance of Messiah will have been heard in Fermanagh and our December concert in St Macartin’s is already proving exceptionally popular as a result.

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

The Very Reverend Dean Kenneth Hall, Dean of Clogher and Rector of St Macartin’s Cathedral, said: "St Macartin’s Cathedral is proud to be hosting the Ulster Consort for what promises to be a momentous performance of Handel’s much-loved Messiah.  

"Tracing the life of Jesus Christ, from birth through to his death and resurrection, Messiah has very much become a mainstay of Christmas and will be a wonderful way to start the festive season this year."

Tickets can be purchased by visiting https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/messiah-enniskillen-tickets-777747522777

For group bookings, please contact hello@ulsterconsort.org