Each Christmas in Asturias, the Prince of Asturias Foundation Choir performs Haendel's The Messiah under the title ‘Europe Sings to Christmas: The Messiah', accompanied by voices from various countries from the European Community and the Principality of Asturias Symphony Orchestra (OSPA).
The Messiah, a monument to choral symphony music, has become the most celebrated oratorio by George Friedch Haendel (1685-1759). An oratorio for soprano, alto, tenor and bass soloists, a four-voice choir and an orchestra, this work was composed between 22 August and 14 September 1741, with a libretto by Charles Jennes based on biblical texts. The first public performance of The Messiah was held on 10 April 1742, four days before it premiered at Dublin's William Neal Music Hall. The work is divided into three parts that make up the liturgical year, going over each of the stages of Christ's life and death.