Handel’s Messiah Brings More Than 3,000 People to Historic Mukawir (Machaerus) for an Evening of Music and Heritage

Held under the patronage of HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, the event was part of the European Union’s continued support for the preservation and promotion of Jordan’s cultural heritage, and its commitment to fostering cultural exchange and bringing Jordan’s historic sites to life through meaningful public engagement. Organised by Friends of Jordan Festivals under the theme “Echoes of Faith, Voices of Heritage,” the performance marked the beginning of a broader cultural and spiritual journey towards the global commemorations of St. John the Baptist in 2030.

The event was attended by distinguished guests, including HRH Princess Rajwa bint Ali bin Nayef, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Dr. Emad Hijazeen, EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, Ambassadors and representatives of the Christian clergy 

A Unique Musical Ensemble at Mukawir

At sunset against the historic backdrop of Mukawir, the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra and Chorus performed alongside four soloists from Jordan and Europe: Jordanian soprano Dima Bawab, French-Turkish mezzo-soprano Julia Deit-Ferrand, French tenor Jean Miannay, and French baritone Jean-Christophe Lanièce. The programme featured selected excerpts from Parts I and II of Handel’s Messiah, concluding with the celebrated “Hallelujah” Chorus.

The performance also featured Jordanian musicians and singers, including Tarek Aljundi, Rula Bargouthi and Rami Aljundi, alongside the National Music Conservatory and Fountain of Love Choir, adding an Arabic musical dimension to Handel’s classical composition.

European Union, 2026

Culture bringing heritage to life

The choice of Mukawir was central to the initiative. Traditionally associated with the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, the site holds significant historical and religious importance and forms part of Jordan’s rich cultural and religious tourism landscape.

“The European Union has a longstanding commitment to supporting the preservation, protection, and sustainable development of Jordan’s cultural heritage, including the historic site of Mukawir,” said Ambassador of the European Union Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas. He highlighted the EU’s continued commitment to advancing culture as “a driver of sustainable development and community engagement.”

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Dr. Emad Hijazeen described the initiative as the launch of “a cultural and spiritual journey towards the global commemorations of St. John the Baptist in 2030,” highlighting its contribution to preserving shared heritage and strengthening Jordan’s position as a destination for Christian pilgrimage, cultural tourism and international dialogue.

The event was supported by the European Union, the Jordan Tourism Board, Royal Jordanian, Goethe-Institut Jordan and the Embassy of Hungary in Jordan.

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European Union, 2026