Handel’s Messiah Performed at Historic Jordanian Site of Mukawir

A performance of Handel’s “Messiah” took place on September 12 at the hilltop fortress of Mukawir in Jordan, a site traditionally associated with the beheading of John the Baptist. The concert, held under the patronage of Prince El Hassan bin Talal, featured a collaboration between a Hungarian orchestra and musicians playing traditional Arab instruments, such as the oud and qanun.

Organized by Friends of Jordan Festivals under the theme “Echoes of Faith, Voices of Heritage,” the event was supported by the European Union to promote Jordan’s cultural heritage. Jordanian soloist Dima Bawab, who helped curate the program, noted that the performance was condensed to 70 minutes to focus on the birth and life of Jesus, concluding with the “Hallelujah” chorus. Organizers presented the concert as the beginning of a cultural and spiritual initiative leading up to global commemorations of St. John the Baptist scheduled for 2030.