THE English Symphony Orchestra's hugely popular performance of Handel's Messiah by candlelight is at Malvern Theatres on Saturday, December 22.

The Messiah is a favourite work by one of the most well-loved of all classical composers.

The German born composer's association with England started in 1711 when he produced an opera here, and he soon became a favourite of the aristocracy, writing Water Music for George I and earning the patronage of the Earl of Caernarvon. In 1720, he became the first musical director of the Royal Academy of Music.

The ESO's performances of The Messiah will benefit two children's charities, the NSPCC and Save the Children.

The soloists for this year's performance are Arianna Zukerman (daughter of Pinchas Zukerman), who is flying to Malvern following performances in Tel Aviv with the Israel Philharmonic, Christopher Robson, regarded as one of the foremost exponents of the counter-tenor voice, Australian tenor Christopher Saunders who has been recipient of many awards including the EMI recording prize at the Sydney Opera House and, straight from a season at the Royal Opera House, bass Geoffrey Moses.

The orchestra is joined by St Michael's Singers, and the conductor is William Boughton.

The Malvern concert is the climax of a week of Messiah performances which starts tomorrow (Saturday) at Tetbury Parish Church, and continues with appearances at Cirencester Abbey on Tuesday, Tewkesbury Abbey on Wednesday and Pershore Abbey on Thursday. Tickets are available from Malvern Theatres box office on 01684 892277, priced £10 to £24.