Mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly sings the recitative: "Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened", followed by the first verse of the duet: "He shall feed His flock like a shepherd..."
Soprano Ailish Tynan sings the second verse of the duet: "Come unto him, all ye that labour ..."
From Part I of "The Messiah" by George Frederic Handel.
Recitative (Mezzo-Soprano)
"Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing."
(Isaiah 35 : 5-6)
Duet (Mezzo-Soprano and Soprano)
"He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."
(Isaiah 40 : 11)
"Come unto Him, all ye that labour, come unto Him that are heavy laden, an He will give you rest. Take His yoke upon you, and learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
(Matthew 11 : 28-29)
This performance, which was conducted by the Abbey's Organist and Master of Choristers James O'Donnell, took place on the day of the 250th anniversary of the composer's death and in the place where he is buried.
The Abbey Choir was joined by the period-instrument orchestra St. James's Baroque, and soloists Ailish Tynan, Sarah Connolly, Paul Agnew and Jonathan Lemalu.