The Prout edition of Messiah is the one used at Messiah from Scratch®
MESSIAH FROM SCRATCH® 2026
ROYAL ALBERT HALL, LONDON
Sunday 8 November 2026
DETAILS FOR SINGERS
Messiah from Scratch® Details for Singers will tell you everything you need to know about how to join in with the world’s most celebrated choral participation event.
Vocal scores. You need to bring your own music, since it will not be possible to purchase scores on the day. We use the Prout (old Novello) edition of Handel’s Messiah which is cheaper and lighter than other editions, although most editions are compatible. If you cannot find a copy, and your local music shop cannot help, then contact Blackwell’s Music Shop in Oxford. Their extremely knowledgeable staff will certainly be able to do so. Telephone 01865 333582 and ask to speak to Peter McMullin, or email your order to printed.music@blackwell.co.uk. Include all relevant information in the email, but please do not include credit card information. Never send such details over the Internet unless via a secure website where the data is encrypted.
Learning the music. Singers should arrive already having learnt the music, since Messiah from Scratch® is exactly that – no rehearsal at all. Brian Kay has compiled a sheet of chorus notes specific to our performance which you can download here (opens in a new window). Please copy all instructions into your score, as they will help with your practising. For details of learning resources to help you practise at home, see our FAQs, including information on the app from ChoraLine giving you hundreds of learning files at the click of a button. Why not join our Facebook group (opens in a new window), find other singers in your area, and set up a joint practice session?
Rehearsals on the day. There aren’t any – that’s what makes it so exciting! The performance begins at 7.00 pm (19.00) so we ask you to be in your seats no later than 6.50 pm (18.50) to ensure a prompt start.
Dress for the concert should be elegant. Tenors and basses usually wear dinner jackets or suits. Sopranos and altos are asked to follow the TRBC colour code: something including blue for sopranos (bright or mid-blue if you can), and something with red for altos (as close to poppy red as you dare). Further details on our FAQs page, including suggestions for female tenors and male altos.
Dressing rooms. It is not possible to provide changing facilities for so many singers at the Royal Albert Hall so we suggest you come ready changed. Please bring the absolute minimum by way of personal belongings and tuck bags under your seat. We include information about the limited changing facilities in our chorus notes, but these are subject to change by the RAH in the weeks before the concert.
For other questions you might have, click here to go to our page of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
More links for Messiah from Scratch: Summary – How to book – More information – Download chorus notes