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"Orlando Jopling directed his musicians from the harpsichord in an interpretation that combined chamber intimacy with a sense of scale. String colour was burnished and vibrant, while the woodwind contribution – just two oboes and a bassoon – had an ethereal texture that lifted the ensemble." 

Bachtrack 

 "a supple, energetic interpretation that thrillingly delivers the story as if the performers have just discovered it. Semi-staged by Tom Morris...it’s an evening that captures the sense of anticipation and revolution in the air when word started to circulate about a baby born in Bethlehem." 

The Arts Desk 

What our Audience says...

“You have collectively raised the bar so high on the Messiah performance that I can never go back to an ordinary concert version. It was outstanding. We loved it. The drama in telling the story, the musicianship and the singing was wonderful. A thoroughly enjoyable evening.”  


 "Remarkable. I have never heard a performance of Messiah where the specific emotion of each movement was expressed so clearly, let alone one with any sense of underlying feeling - this was more than just a stirring recital of holy texts. Brilliant!" 


“I know you had a standing ovation last night, but even that couldn’t capture the extraordinary feeling the show generated. I had to write.”  


“Surely this is the only and best way to see the Messiah – total genius staging. Loved it.”  


“I never want to hear Messiah any other way. The singers and players were exceptional. It was moving, and it had wonderful momentum and pulse which enhanced the meaning.” 


 "I just had to say how fantastic the Messiah was last night.. It was intimate and beautifully sung. 6 stars out of 5! If you did two nights I would go to both."


"We just got home from your AMAZING performance of the Messiah. What a show - inclusive and uplifting. The musicians perfectly balanced; an unusual staging which was perfect and brilliant."

2025 Tour

Festival Theatre, Malvern

Tuesday 2 December, 7pm


We're delighed to be bringing our dramatised Messiah to this fantastic theatre for the first time.

Event now past

Smith Square Hall, London

(Formerly St John's Smith Square)


Tuesday 9 December, 7pm   SOLD OUT


We return to Smith Square following last year's sell-out performance.

Event now past

Layer Marney Tower

Sunday 14 December, 4pm   SOLD OUT


A third year of our most in-demand performance.

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A man tenderly holds a woman's face as they gaze at each other lovingly.

Chichester Cathedral

Tuesday 16 December, 7pm


Returning for a third year following sold out performances in 2023 and 2024. 


Tickets  

£35 | £15 (unreserved seats in the side aisle, mostly with restricted view)

Any seat £15 for everyone under 25.

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Chelmsford Cathedral

Thursday 18 December, 7pm


A second visit to this lovely cathedral venue. 


Tickets

£50 I £42 I £32 (may have restricted views) I £15 (may have restricted or obscured views)
Any seat £15 for everyone under 25.

Event now past

Performing the entire piece from memory, the singers bring music and story to life, with staging devised by theatre and opera director Tom Morris (Breaking the Waves, Dr Semmelweis, War Horse). 


The musicians of the Wild Arts Ensemble, playing period instruments, are directed by Wild Arts’ Artistic Director Orlando Jopling in this enthralling and moving production that has received standing ovations across the country.


Sofia Kirwan-Baez & Joanna Songi soprano
Martha Jones & Kate Symonds-Joy mezzo
Guy Elliott & Harry Jacques tenor
Timothy Nelson baritone
Edward Hawkins bass


Sijie Chen & Will McGahon violin
Hannah Shaw viola
George Ross cello
Marianne Schofield bass
Leo Duarte & Geoff Coates oboe
Chris Rawley bassoon
Brendan Lewis & Sam Lewis trumpet
Orlando Jopling harpsichord


 Running time: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes including interval 

Messiah at Smith Square Hall

Edward Hawkins (all photos by Steve Gregson)

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    Wild Arts, charity no. 1158366

    South Green Farmhouse, Fingringhoe, Colchester, CO5 7DP, United Kingdom

    01206 701707

    Copyright © 2026 Wild Arts - All Rights Reserved.


    Wild Arts is an Advanced Certificate Theatre Green Book company.

    Uncredited images by Lucy J Toms.

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