Ever heard of Charles Jennens? No, nor have most people. But he’s the librettist who compiled the words for this most popular oratorio. And he was apparently very peeved that the first performance in 1742 took place in Dublin, not London.

Handel’s Messiah, composed in just 24 days, tells the story of the life and death of Jesus.

It took a while to achieve widespread popularity, but today, over 250 years later, it’s as solid a part of the British Christmas as carols and Christmas trees.

Type the name into a Web search engine and you will come up with numerous performances at this time of year, one of the best and most prestigious of which took place in the Lighthouse. 

The instrumental excellence of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra was complemented by some outstanding performances by the soloists, Joanne Lunn (soprano), Christopher Lowrey (counter-tenor), Stuart Jackson (tenor) and Callum Thorpe (bass).

While all four were excellent performers, if I had to single out one for special mention it would be Lowrey, who hits near-soprano high notes with effortless purity.

And full credit also to the 120-strong Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Chorus who delivered a tight and well-rehearsed performance that clearly pleased the capacity audience.