The Foundling Hospital Concert
Peter Kopp & Choir of the Protestant University of Sacred Music, Halle
With works by George Frideric Handel
Musical director: Peter Kopp
Soprano: Isabel Schicketanz
Alto: Henriette Gödde
Tenor: Christopher Renz
Bass: Jussi Juola
Choir of the Protestant University of Sacred Music, Halle
Telemannisches Collegium Michaelstein
50/35 €
On 27 May 1749 Handel held his first benefit concert for the Foundling Hospital, founded in London in 1739. For it, he chose the Fireworks Music and the Peace Anthem, two works he had composed a short time previously. Arias and choruses from Solomon followed and, closing the benefit concert, the specially composed Foundling Hospital Anthem. The event was not only a great success financially; Handel remained close to the Hospital, donated an organ to it and from 1750 onwards performed the Messiah there every year to continue to support the orphanage with the proceeds from the tickets. At the 2026 Handel Festival, the reconstructed 1749 programme can be heard for the first time – in the Freylinghausen Hall of the Francke Foundations, Halle’s historic orphanage. The performers come from just next door to Handel House. The University of Sacred Music, where Handel’s music is firmly rooted in the course teaching, celebrates in centenary in 2026.