Academy of Ancient Music
Handel's Messiah
With Sophie Bevan (soprano), Simon Ponsford (alto), William Balkwill (tenor), Stuart O'Hara (bass), The Choir of Westminster Abbey, Andrew Nethsingha (director)

Members of the Abbey Choir and celebrated soprano Sophie Bevan, along with the renowned musicians of Academy of Ancient Music, bring to life this sacred oratorio, one of the best known and most frequently performed works of choral music.
The Choir of Westminster Abbey is known worldwide as one of the finest ensembles of its type, its repertoire extending from plainsong and Renaissance polyphony to twentieth-century masterpieces and new commissions. In addition to singing the daily services, as it has done since the fourteenth century, the Choir plays a central role in the many royal and state occasions which are held in the Abbey, most recently the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
“A choice performance … an extraordinary range of expressive tone.” - The Guardian
“…an exhilarating performance by Academy of Ancient Music...” - Evening Standard
Sophie Bevan soprano
Simon Ponsford alto
William Balkwill tenor
Stuart O’Hara bass
The Choir of Westminster Abbey
Academy of Ancient Music
Andrew Nethsingha director
This concert takes place thanks to the generous support of David Keltner and the late Patricia Owen Keltner.
Tue, 25 November 2025
Westminster Abbey
7:00pm
From £16- ➕2 other performances
Full Event Details
The Choir of Westminster Abbey is joined by Academy of Ancient Music for this classic performance of Handel’s beloved masterpiece Messiah.
Members of the Abbey Choir and celebrated soprano Sophie Bevan, along with the renowned musicians of Academy of Ancient Music, bring to life this sacred oratorio, one of the best known and most frequently performed works of choral music.
The Choir of Westminster Abbey is known worldwide as one of the finest ensembles of its type, its repertoire extending from plainsong and Renaissance polyphony to twentieth-century masterpieces and new commissions. In addition to singing the daily services, as it has done since the fourteenth century, the Choir plays a central role in the many royal and state occasions which are held in the Abbey, most recently the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
“A choice performance … an extraordinary range of expressive tone.” - The Guardian
“…an exhilarating performance by Academy of Ancient Music...” - Evening Standard
Sophie Bevan soprano
Simon Ponsford alto
William Balkwill tenor
Stuart O’Hara bass
The Choir of Westminster Abbey
Academy of Ancient Music
Andrew Nethsingha director
This concert takes place thanks to the generous support of David Keltner and the late Patricia Owen Keltner.
Venue Details & Map
Location
Westminster Abbey
20 Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA
Other performances
In addition to the performance listed above, this concert will also be performed as follows:
Handel's Messiah
Wed, 3 December 2025
The Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford
7:00pm
From £15
Handel's Messiah
Mon, 15 December 2025
The Barbican, London
7:00pm
From £15
Barbican Centre & Milton Court
Show past performances of this programme
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