G. F. Handel - Messiah The church will be specially decorated by Nigel Ashton for this candlelight performance of Handels oratorio which was premiered at the Fishamble Street Musick Hall in Dublin in 1742. At the first performance ladies were asked to, wear dresses without hoops, and gentlemen had to, remove their swords in order to free up space for the huge audience. The piece has remained a firm favourite with concert audiences and this concert promises to be the perfect start to the Christmas season.