Salisbury Musick
2-4 October 2026
A performance of Handel’s Messiah is inspired by events that took place in Salisbury more than 250 years ago.
Although the masterpiece is usually performed around Christmas or Easter, in the 18th Century, it was frequently performed in the city’s music festivals which took place in October.
This year’s performance of Messiah on Sunday 4th October will be the grand finale of Salisbury Musick – a three-day festival celebrating early music.
The Salisbury music festivals ran from about 1700 to 1780 every year, and featured some of the most prominent musicians of the time. JC Bach performed in the city, and the concerts were of national significance, rivalling those taking place in London and Bath.
Salisbury Musick has been organised by four local musicians who want to share their passion for early music – music composed before 1750 and performed on period instruments. After a major success last year, with some concerts sold out, the festival returns this year with a programme of concerts by local ensembles, performances by visiting experts, talks, and educational events. Audiences will be able to see instruments including harpsicords, lutes, viols and baroque trumpets. Venues include the Medieval Hall, Salisbury Museum and St Thomas’s Church.
Nigel Wyatt, one of the organisers said:
“Now in its second year the modern Salisbury Musick festival takes its inspiration from the three day festivals in 18th century Salisbury. So it seemed a natural choice to include a gala performance of Handel’s Messiahthis year – the most frequently performed large scale work of the 18th century festivals.
“In 1768 an extra day was added to the annual festivals making them three day events to accommodate a performance of Messiah on the middle day. Interestingly these performances were linked to local fund raising to establish the new Salisbury Infirmary. Indeed performances linked to a charitable purpose became a common feature of Messiah performances following Handel’s example. The Salisbury performances took place in the Assembly Rooms, the Cathedral and in 1777 in St Thomas’s Church while the Cathedral was closed for renovations.”
Other events in the festival include:
A performance of music for fortepiano (a forerunner of the piano) given by John Reid, a former organ scholar at Salisbury Cathedral. John is now Associate of the Royal Academy of Music, where he is also a Professor of Chamber Music and Piano.
‘Cover Story’ with Blondel, a medieval and renaissance wind band playing shawms, bagpipes, slide trumpet, sackbut, recorders & percussion.
As part of the festival, the cathedral will include early music in the three services Mattins, Eucharist and Choral Evensong.
The performance of Handel’s Messiah by Salisbury Baroque and Farrant Singers will take place from 6pm at St Thomas’s Church.
Salisbury Musick takes place from Friday2nd to Sunday 4th October. A full programme and booking information is available at salisburymusick.org.uk.
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