Watch a Recording of This Year's Online 'Messiah' Concert
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Singers and musicians perform Handel's "Messiah" for a livestreamed concert
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Singers and musicians perform Handel's "Messiah" for a livestreamed concert
Chapel Music Director Dr. Zebulon Highben conducts singers and musicians performing Handel's "Messiah" for a livestreamed concert on Dec. 6.
Now in its eighty-eighth year, the annual presentation of G.F. Handel’s Messiah at Duke Chapel is one of the oldest and most beloved musical traditions at Duke University. This year, that tradition continued with a livestreamed Messiah concert on Sunday, December 6, 2020. A recording of the concert was available here through January 6, 2021.
Click here to view and/or download a concert program with the texts for the solos and choruses, biographies of the soloists, and a message from Chapel Music Director Zebulon Highben.
Read more in Duke Today about the large online audience that watched the concert live.
Messiah Reflections Video
Duke Chapel first presented portions of Messiah in 1933. Since then, the Chapel Choir has developed a long and deep tradition of Messiah performances. In this video, choir members reflect on how Messiah has fostered friendship and faith, meaning and musical achievement:
Support Chapel Music
Although tickets are free this year, donations are welcomed to ensure that Messiah continues at Duke Chapel for generations to come. To donate, click here and select “Duke Chapel Choir and Chapel Music Endowment.” All donors will be mailed a special commemorative Messiah program in the weeks following the concert.
Health and Safety Note
This performance was presented with enhanced health and safety precautions, in consultation with Duke’s Occupational and Environmental Safety Office, enabling the musicians to safely perform. In addition to adhering to all university protocols, those precautions included maintaining physical separation among performers, testing airflow, requiring negative COVID tests from participants, and self-monitoring of symptoms. Note: Camera angles may reduce or distort the appearance of distances between performers.