Nelson Mandela Square celebrates Easter with Handel's Messiah

The inspired African-style performance of George Frederic Handel’s Messiah, by South Africa’s favourite conductor Richard Cock and a stellar line-up of acclaimed South African soloists and choirs, is a beloved Nelson Mandela Square holiday tradition.

This annual performance of the majestic choral work will once again take place at 15h00 on Easter Monday, April 25 at Nelson Mandela Square.

Since its first performance in Dublin in 1742 and across the span of more than 260 years, Handel’s Messiah has held its extraordinary grip on musicians and audiences alike with its poignant melodies and powerful harmonies, Messiah is a musical celebration and an oratorio of resounding vocal beauty and grace and South African audiences annually have their chance to hear this magnificent choral work performed on their much-loved Square.

The Nelson Mandela Square event, now in its 27^th year, is held as an annual fundraiser for Women for Peace (Basadi ba Khotso), and proceeds from programme sales will go to this charity. “Through this initiative we’ve supported Women for Peace over the years,” says Sharon Swain, Nelson Mandela Square Centre Manager.  “Women for Peace is a non-profit organisation that empowers grassroots communities through education, self-esteem and skills development whilst re-instilling human value. The Messiah highlights the spiritual grace of Easter time and each year it is wonderful to see families celebrating together and enjoying this time at the Square.”

So once again, diarise this wonderfull event and be at Nelson Mandela Square on April 25 at 15h00 for another wonderful FREE performance of Handel’s Messiah.

Bring the whole family for lunch to one of the Square’s many vibrant restaurants where after you can join Richard Cock, the soloists, choirs and orchestra for Joburg’s favourite Easter performance!

ENTRANCE IS FREE!