On Easter Monday, 5 April, Nelson Mandela Square will again be celebrating Easter with an inspired African-style performance of Frederick Handel’s Messiah, under the baton of South Africa’s favourite conductor Richard Cock, the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra and an exciting line-up of acclaimed South African soloists and choirs.
Across the span of more than 250 years, Handel’s Messiah still holds its extraordinary grip on musicians and audiences alike and this year’s performance of the most popular of all oratorios intends to be no different.
The event, now in its 26
th year, is held as an annual fund-raiser for Women for Peace (Basadi ba Khotso), and proceeds from programme sales will go to this charity. “Through this initiative, we’ve supported Women for Peace over the years,” says Sharon Swain Nelson Mandela Square Centre Manager. “Women for Peace is a non-profit organisation that empowers grass roots communities through education; self-esteem; and skills development whilst re-instilling human value. The Messiah highlights the spiritual grace of Easter time and each year it is wonderful to see families celebrating together and enjoying this time at the Square.”
The event will take place at Nelson Mandela Square on 5 April at 15:00 for a performance of Handel’s Messiah. Afterwards, visitors will be able to join Richard Cock; the soloists; choirs; and orchestra.