The famed oratorio Messiah by Baroque composer George Handel is coming to Dubai Opera on December 8, 260 years after Handel’s death.

The oratorio — a large-scale orchestral and vocal musical work, performed without costumes nor scenery, and typically involving a religious theme — will be performed by the St. Petersburg Tchaikovsky Theater of Ballet Orchestra, alongside a new 150-member local choir dubbed Dubai Opera Festival Chorus.

Messiah first debuted in Dublin 1742. The St Petersburg Tchaikovsky Theater of Ballet Orchestra will perform it in the UAE after their run of Nutcracker shows at Dubai Opera.

“A beloved festive tradition, Handel’s celebrated oratorio — with its spectacular “Hallelujah!” chorus — provides a moment during the busy season to experience reflection, renewal and joy and I am delighted we are able to present this wonderful piece of music with a combined force of 200 local and international voices and musicians during the UAE’s Year of Tolerance,” said Jasper Hope, chief executive of Dubai Opera.

Tickets are available now, staring from Dh175.