Bach Collegium San Diego Presents “Handel's Messiah • El Mesías, HWV 56” at All Souls' Episcopal Church

Bach Collegium San Diego (BCSD), one of the country's leading baroque ensembles, closes out the calendar year with its beloved annual tradition, Handel's Messiah, presented in both English and Spanish.

Messiah springs to life in both languages, this beloved oratorio continues to relish the holiday tradition. The run opens with a special performance marking the release of BCSD's El Mesías Spanish-language recording.

Repertoire

George Frideric Handel — Messiah • El Mesías, HWV 56

Soloists

Estelí Gomez, soprano

Jay Carter, countertenor

Cecilia Duarte, mezzo-soprano

Jacob Perry, tenor

Enrico Lagasca, bass-baritone

Fredy Bonilla, bass-baritone

Originally conceived as a work for Easter, Messiah premiered on April 13, 1742, during Lent at the Music Hall on Fishamble Street in Dublin, Ireland. The performance was offered as a charity event for the relief of prisoners, in support of Mercer’s Hospital, and to aid the Charitable Infirmary.

There is a long-standing myth that King George II was so touched by the “Hallelujah” chorus that he rose to his feet, with the crowd following suit. Audiences today routinely stand during the “Hallelujah” chorus, as a tip of the hat to this legend.

Bach Collegium San Diego engages audiences with accessible, historically informed performances and educational programs featuring repertoire from the Renaissance, Baroque, and early Classical eras. The ensemble was founded in 2003 by Artistic Director Ruben Valenzuela to diversify the musical offerings of the San Diego community.

WHEN:

Friday, December 11, 2026, 7:00 p.m. (El Mesías recording release, performed in Spanish) | All Souls' Episcopal Church | 1475 Catalina Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107

Saturday, December 12, 2026, 7:00 p.m. (performed in English) | The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center | 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla, CA 92037

Sunday, December 13, 2026, 4:00 p.m. (performed in English) | First United Methodist Church | 2111 Camino del Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108

Event Duration: 3 hours, including intermission