Premiered at 4:45pm on Friday 10 April 2020:

Members of the Royal Choral Society will deliver an exclusive session from their various homes as part of the Royal Albert Home series.

In these strange times, closing the Hall’s doors is the best way to look after the world, but we are now opening a (virtual) window for you to experience some of the most talented artists around.

Since 1876, members of the Royal Choral Society have made their way to the Royal Albert Hall almost every Good Friday to perform Handel’s Messiah. The concert has only been cancelled twice before, due to the London Blitz (1940-41).

This year, the 144th performance sadly cannot go ahead, but determined to recognise this important tradition and bring it to homes around the world, the choir will be performing ‘together’ in isolation. This Good Friday, music lovers are invited to join in singing Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus as it was planned to have been sung at the Royal Albert Hall.

This special performance will be led by a video of the Royal Choral Society singing from their own homes. Conductor Richard Cooke will join from his garden, with Richard Pearce (regular organist for the Last Night of the Proms) playing the organ.

Watch an introduction from Richard Cooke, Music Director of the Royal Choral Society, below and tune in on Good Friday to sing along with the choir at 4:45pm.