Messiah Performance in aid of One Family 23 & 24 November @ 8pm, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin 8. Tickets Euro 28

One Family, Ireland’s leading organisation of one-parent families, is delighted to announce that it has been chosen as the benefiting charity for this year’s performances of Handel’s Messiah by the Culwick Choral Society. With performances on 23 and 24 November at St Patrick’s Cathedral, all proceeds will go towards the *askonefamily helpline for one-parent families.

Karen Kiernan, Director of One Family says, ‘Parenting is tough work, I know. But doing it all alone can be even harder. That’s where our *askonefamily helpline comes in. We offer support to all members of one-parent families in need of help, advice, information – or simply a listening ear. We have had a 20% increase in calls since the recession and are very thankful to Culwick for giving us this opportunity to raise funds for the helpline.’

Culwick Choral Society is a huge Dublin Choir that has been giving charity performances of Messiah in the atmospheric surroundings of St Patrick’s since 1992. For many people this annual event marks the beginning of the festive season. Handel’s Messiah is Church music, written for and first performed in a Church. So, this event takes Messiah back to its roots. Other venues may be plusher and have fancy bars, but – for most Messiah supporters – these things are not necessary. What is, is atmosphere, great singing, the spiritual element of choral music in a cathedral – and the chance to support a great charity.

Culwick choir’s Messiah promises just that: it’s an evening of glorious uplifting music, away from the stresses of daily life, all in aid of One Family, a great charity for one-parent families.

Of course, Messiah and St Patrick’s Cathedral are synonymous. Handel rehearsed it there and practised on the organ in St Patrick’s Cathedral, and used the choirs of St Patrick’s and Christchurch Cathedrals in the first performance in nearby Fishamble Street.

Tickets for this festive concert are Euro 28, make great gifts and are also a good opportunity for a staff Christmas outing - if you buy 9 you get one free.