G.F. Händel: The Messiah
+++ Please note: A limited number of tickets is available for purchase at the box office. A public dress rehearsal will take place on Saturday, February 7th, 6:30 p.m., in Peterskirche. Donations will be very much appreciated. +++
Most music lovers think of G. F. Handel's ‘The Messiah’ when they hear the term ‘oratorio’. It epitomises this genre par excellence and is a work of timeless greatness. The whole world knows and appreciates the mighty “Hallelujah” chorus, and this work has been revered for over two and a half centuries.
The concert will be performed by the large choir Capella Carolina on Sunday, 8 February 2026 in Heidelberg. The vocal soloists are Katharina Persicke (soprano), Melanie Lang (alto), Johannes Gaubitz (tenor), Marcel Brunner (bass). The choir and soloists will be accompanied by the Philharmonie Baden-Baden.
VOCAL SOLOISTS
Our four vocal soloists shape the upcoming concert with vocal presence, stylistic breadth, and extensive artistic experience. Tenor Johannes Gaubitz, musically formed by the Windsbacher Knabenchor and trained in Freiburg, Lübeck, and Hamburg, is in demand internationally as a freelance concert and song singer, with particular distinction in oratorio and art song. Soprano Katharina Persicke, praised by the press for her radiant high notes, floating pianissimi, and intense musical expression, appears regularly on major opera stages and in the concert hall, combining lyrical warmth with exceptional musical intelligence. With her warmly colored, noble mezzo-soprano, Melanie Lang brings broad operatic and concert experience to the stage; she is a member of the ensemble of the Badisches Staatstheater and has established herself internationally as a versatile interpreter of her repertoire. Bass-baritone Marcel Brunner, recently heard in leading Mozart roles such as Figaro and Leporello, is equally at home in opera and concert performance and will also set notable accents this season in the great sacred works. Together, they form the vocal core of the concert.
PHILHARMONIE BADEN-BADEN
The Baden-Baden Philharmonic Orchestra is among the most tradition-rich orchestras in Europe, with its roots dating back to 1460. Since 1854, it has existed as a permanent orchestra and is the oldest municipal orchestra in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. The ensemble has gained international renown through performances in leading concert halls worldwide and collaborations with outstanding figures in music history. Today, the Philharmonic stands for stylistic versatility, high artistic quality, and a wide-ranging repertoire, spanning major symphonic works, opera and ballet, as well as distinctive concert formats. Since 2022, the orchestra has been led by Heiko Mathias Förster.
SPONSORS
Capella Carolina is extremely greatful to its sponsors for their generous support!
