A handle on Handel

THE Dublin born soprano, Joan Merrigan is hoping, she says, that the Dublin International Handel Fest, which will take place on the weekend of April 11th-13th, "will develop on the lines of the Edinburgh Festival". That would surely be some development. But the events, which will include the arrival of Handel into Dublin Port on a boat, where he will be transported by horse and carriage to the lovely Church of St Nicholas of Myra on Francis Street for a candlelit performance of Messiah, sound mouth watering. The public will be invited to sing excerpts from Messiah on Fishamble Street, there will be a baroque recital in Christ Church Cathedral with counter tenor, James Bowman, cellist David Watkins and harpsichordist, Malcolm Proud, special performances for children and a feast of other events. Phone 01 2836343/4902983 or HMV to book.