From Dublin to the theatres of London, Handel's Messiah had captivated and intrigued audiences by its near-operatic qualities. But when Handel inaugurated annual benefit performances in London's Foundling Hospital "for the Maintenance and Education of Exposed and Deserted Young Children," the world's favorite oratorio took hold of its permanent place in the hearts of audiences, then in London and now throughout the world. Jeffrey Thomas leads America's "best specialists in early music" including a splendid vocal quartet of Handel specialists in performances that have been treasured by Northern California audiences for more than a decade.
