St. Mary's Irishtown will host a performance of Handel's Messiah on the 12th of December 2009 with all proceeds going to South Tipperary Hospice. The performance will be held in St. Mary's Church, Irishtown and it is one of two to be given by the renowned Limerick Choral Union and Orchestra; the second being in the Limerick Concert Hall on the 13th December.

The Limerick Choral Union and Orchestra will be under the baton of Malcolm Green. The four principals this year are local bass Derek Ryan, tenor Dean Short, soprano Edel O'Brien and Rosin O'Grady contralto.

Limerick Choral Union was established in 1964 so that Limerick would have a choir to accompany the Radio Eireann Orchestra on its visits to the city and with the aim of bringing the best of choral music to Limerick. This initiative emanated from the Limerick Symphony Concerts Society and Radio Eireann. Among those involved in the foundation of the Choral Union were its first Musical Director and Choir Master, Fr. Oliver O'Brien, S.J., Tibor Paul, distinguished Chief Conductor of the Radio Eireann Orchestra, Mrs. Frances Condell, Mayor of Limerick and the late Michael Allott, first honorary Life President of Limerick Choral Union.

Two years ago St. Mary's hosted a similar performance of Messiah and attracted a large audience. This great work forms a dramatic commentary on the prophecy and fulfilment of the redemption of man. It is in three parts: the prophecy and coming of the Messiah, the redemption of mankind through the sacrifice of Jesus and Thanksgiving for the ultimate defeat of death through faith in the kingdom of God. The Limerick Choral Union offers audiences a unique performance of Messiah, one which bears the closest possible resemblance to Messiah's debut, held in the Great Music Hall in Fishamble Street, Dublin, on 13th April 1742.

Messiah is an event in the Christmas calendar not to be missed by music and choral enthusiasts alike and this performance promises to be one which will herald the Christmas season. Come and celebrate with us on Saturday 12th December at St. Mary's Irishtown.

Tickets are €20 and can be booked at Marian's, 42 O'Connell Street (Tel:052 6123813).