Haydn's Creation at the Sheldonian

Date: Saturday 29 April 2023
Time: 19:30 - 22:50
Venue
Sheldonian Theatre

Haydn The Creation

Mhairi Lawson soprano
Thomas Elwin tenor
Jonathan Brown bass
The Choir of Merton College
Benjamin Nicholas conductor

In 1791, Joseph Haydn was overwhelmed by a performance of Handel’s Messiah in London. As he prepared to return home, Haydn was slipped a libretto on the subject of the creation of the universe originally conceived for Handel. When The Creation was first performed seven years later, Haydn was overcome yet again - this time by his own achievements. In representing chaos and the creation of light, the oratorio’s elemental inspiration transcends the boundaries of its era. In the building where Haydn received his Oxford doctorate, we are joined by soloists and the Choir of Merton College for Haydn’s most inspired ‘creation’.

The Sheldonian Theatre is a unique space to experience live music. To see an interactive map of the theatre click here.