With Handel's Messiah, the Residentie Orkest gave an atmospheric start to what feels like the beginning of a new December tradition Residentie Orkest December 20. In the Concert Hall Amare , audience, orchestra, soloists, and choir Amare together around a work that has been bringing light and comfort to the darkest days of the year for centuries.

Under the baton of our emerging artist in residence Chloe Rooke, a bright, energetic performance unfolded with a sparkling leading role for KZV Excelsior Den Haag and four fantastic soloists: soprano Nikki Treurniet, mezzo-soprano Nina van Essen, tenor Antonin Rondepierre, and baritone Raoul Steffani. A concert that not only looked back on a masterpiece from the past, but above all looked ahead – to a tradition in which Messiah will have a permanent place in The Hague's December calendar.

Enjoy the afterglow with these beautiful photos, taken by Simon van Boxtel.