Dubai Opera presents, Messiah, the crowning achievement of the renowned composer George Frideric Handel. Performed by the Astana Opera Orchestra, The Festival Chorus, and conducted by Rob Johnston, the event promises to bring the 18th-century oratorio to life.

Messiah oratorio composed by George Frideric Handel in 1741, and first performed in the spring of 1742, has become one of the world’s most beloved and recognized choral works.

Created over two centuries ago, Handel’s celebrated oratorio - with its spectacular “Hallelujah!” chorus - will be conducted by Rob Johnston and will feature a combined force of 200 local and international voices and musicians by Astana Opera Orchestra and The Festival Chorus. The orchestra is guaranteed to take your breath away.

Join us for a night that is sure to transport you to another era, exclusively at Dubai Opera.

Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra

Symphony Orchestra of the State Opera and Ballet Theater "Astana Opera" was created in 2013 on the basis of the orchestra of the National Opera and Ballet Theater named after K. Baiseitova.

The orchestra consists of over 120 musicians. All of them are laureates of national and international competitions, excellent cultural workers, honored figures of Kazakhstan.

The chief conductor of "Astana Opera" is Alan Buribayev, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, Laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Conductors of the orchestra - Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Abzal Mukhitdin, Giuseppe Akuaviva, Ruslan Baimurzin, Elmar Buribayev.

The Festival Chorus

The Festival Chorus is an exceptionally talented group of singers drawn from across the UAE whose debut performance took place at the BBC Proms Dubai with Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony in 2019.

With over 200 members of 25 different nationalities, the chorus reflects the melting pot of the UAE and its diverse mix of cultures and backgrounds in the country’s population. Many of the singers have performed with large choirs on opera stages in their home countries.

Rob Johnston, Conductor

Rob Johnston, a Royal Academy of Music graduate, is a renowned tenor soloist and conductor. He's performed worldwide, from the Royal Albert Hall to Buenos Aires. His notable on-screen appearances include the feature film Dorian Gray, and he has recorded with many acclaimed conductors.

As the conductor of RSVP Voices, Rob has left his mark on film, TV, and live events, collaborating with artists like Elton John. Since 2019, he's led the Dubai Festival Chorus, orchestrating impressive performances with international orchestras. Rob's musical journey continues to inspire worldwide.