James Burton, The Oxford Philomusica Orchestra

This is probably the first time Messiah has featured in the Cheltenham Concert Series. Using texts from both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible chosen by Charles Jennens, Handel's most famous oratorio was originally intended as a thought-provoking work for Lent and Easter, but it is now indisputably linked with the Christmas season.

Oxford Philomusica, founded over a decade ago by Mario Papadopoulos, has quickly gained a reputation for excellence. Tonight it is joined by an equally august ensemble, Schola Cantorum of Oxford, which celebrated its golden jubilee in 2010 and counts Emma Kirkby, Ian Bostridge and Jane Glover amongst its alumni. The performance is conducted by James Burton, Schola Cantorum's music director and one of Britain's leading choir directors.

"After hearing such a magnificent performance...I would certainly regard Oxford Philomusica as Premier League" - Gloucestershire Echo

"Schola Cantorum under James Burton radiates in performances that could not be bettered." - Gramophone