Handel — Messiah (Highlights)

Fall 2026

Engage deeply with one of the most enduring works in the choral repertoire, culminating in a December performance.

The Experience

Ottawa Choral Workshops’ Fall 2026 project explores Handel’s Messiah—not simply as a seasonal tradition, but as a work of remarkable dramatic scope and lasting human relevance.

Through music of striking clarity and invention, Messiah traces a journey from expectation and light through struggle and reflection toward renewal and triumph. This workshop invites singers to move beyond familiarity and engage more deeply with the musical language that gives the work its power—examining how structure, gesture, and form shape meaning and expression.

Who This Workshop Is For

This workshop is designed for singers who:

have prior choral experience and read music with confidence
enjoy exploring familiar repertoire at a deeper level
are interested in Baroque style and musical structure
want a focused, high-level ensemble experience
value both musical insight and expressive performance

What Makes This Workshop Different

Rather than simply revisiting well-known movements, this workshop focuses on how the music itself communicates meaning. Drawing on historically informed principles, rehearsals explore the forms and gestures that shape the work—such as the French overture style, Baroque dance rhythms, and the contrast between solo and full ensemble writing. These elements provide practical tools for achieving clarity, cohesion, and expressive depth, allowing singers to experience the work with renewed understanding and purpose.

Workshop Format

Weekly rehearsals leading to a staged performance of selected movements
Optional opportunities for solo and semi-chorus participation
Focus on stylistic clarity, ensemble precision, and musical understanding

Workshop Details

Rehearsals
Mondays, 7:00-9:00 PM, August 24 – December 7
(No rehearsals: September 7, October 12)

Midweek Sectionals
Wednesdays, 1:30-3:00 PM, September 15 – December 1

Dress Rehearsal
Wednesday, December 9, 7:00-10:00 PM

Educational Concert (Highlights)
Thursday, December 10, 10:00 AM

Performance
Saturday, December 12, 7:30 PM

Location
Southminster United Church

Repertoire
Choruses* from Handel’s Messiah

And the glory of the Lord
And He shall purify
O thou that tellest good tidings
Glory to God
His yoke is easy
Behold the Lamb of God
Surely He hath borne our griefs
And with His stripes
All we like sheep
He trusted in God
Let us break their bonds asunder
Hallelujah
Since by man came death
Worthy is the Lamb
Amen

*Final list of choruses programmed is subject to revision.

Fees

This workshop is designed as a focused, high-level musical experience, combining in-depth instruction with a fully realized public performance.

Standard Tuition
$525 + HST

Full-Time Students
$262 + HST

Full-Time Music Students
Tuition waived

NB: Flexible tuition options are available. If the standard fee is a barrier to participating, new members are welcome to propose a tuition amount that works for them.

Additional Options

A 20% discount is available for couples registering together.
Participants who introduce a new singer to the workshop may receive a 20% tuition credit.

Expectations

Regular attendance is expected, especially in the final weeks.
Participants are expected to prepare music between rehearsals.

Preparation Support (Optional)

Practice materials and study resources will be provided.

Join the Workshop

Registration details will be announced shortly.

Singers interested in participating are encouraged to inquire or join the mailing list.