CONCERT DAY INFORMATION 28 FEBRUARY

OXFORD ORPHEUS CONCERT DAY, 28 FEBRUARY 2026
HANDEL’S MESSIAH
OXFORD TOWN HALL, ST. ALDATE’S, OXFORD OX1 1BX
Dear Oxford Orphean,
We are delighted that you are joining us to sing Handel’s Messiah!

TIMETABLE FOR THE DAY:
10.15 am Doors open for the Choir – registration
11.00 am Chorus rehearsal
12:30 pm Lunch break
1:45 pm Choir and Orchestra assemble in time for
2.00 pm Rehearsal with orchestra and soloists
5.00 pm End of rehearsal – Dinner break
6:30 pm Choir please assemble in The Town Hall, doors open to public
7.00 pm Performance begins
9.30 pm Performance ends

SCORES – WE ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE SCORES SO PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU SOURCE YOUR OWN COPY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE – If you don’t already have one, Novello (old or new edition) scores are recommended. Blackwell’s and Choral Line are usually reliable sources. Our singers derive most benefit from the day if they get to know the piece and their part beforehand. Note: we shall NOT be singing choral numbers 34-37 (pp 134-148 in New Novello, 124-136 in Old Novello); OR numbers 49-52 (pp 196-216 in New Novello, 182-195 in Old Novello)

CLOTHING suggested for the performance is smart black but not DJs. A flash of blue would be acceptable!

PARKING: For singers coming from out of town, parking nearby is not easy and we would recommend using the Park and Ride facility. Singers based in Oxford are strongly advised to come either on foot, or by bicycle or on public transport.

REFRESHMENTS: As the schedule is so tight singers might like to bring a thermos with them – there will be no break during the morning rehearsal. There are many cafes and restaurants nearby where singers can find something to eat at lunchtime, and before the performance. Information about these will be available on the day for those who come from afar. In the afternoon the orchestra (who play for nothing), will be given tea but there is not enough time to serve tea to singers as well!

Any queries please telephone 01865 250440, or email [email protected]
Leo Pitt, Oxford Orpheus – Reg Charity No. 1169023
PS Please don’t forget to bring a pencil and a rubber…..!