Christmas is coming and, like any other city, London celebrates the holiday with lots of various events. One of them is the annual Handel's Messiah performance by the Joyful Company of Singers and the Georgian Camerata. The performance will be conducted by Peter Broadbent. Written in 1741, it was initially associated with charity and was first staged in Dublin in 1742. That very first performance was given to help the Society for Relieving Prisoners, the Charitable Infirmary and the Mercer's Hospital. Unfortunately, Handel was loosing his eyesight. But still, he went on conducting those charitable concerts, one of which – the one in aid of London's Foundling Hospital – was a great success. Handel's Messiah is taking place at the wonderful Georgian church of St James in Piccadilly – a parish church in London’s West End, part of the Diocese of London and the world wide Anglican Communion. This is a good chance to observe the beautiful building as well, which was designed by Christopher Wren and consecrated in 1684.

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