SNIPPET: In 1741 the 'Musick Hall' was opened in Fishamble Street, Dublin, site of the medieval 'Fish Shambles,' and a year later the fame of the burgeoning city in the far west of Europe had spread to the extent that when George Frederick HANDEL, out of favour with London society, wished to take himself and his music to another capital, it was to Dublin he turned. He had hoped, as his biographer, MAINWARING, wrote in 1760, to "find that favour and encouragement in a distant capital, which London seemed to refuse him." This is precisely what happened, and on 13th April 1742 he gave the first performance of his new oratorio, 'Messiah,' at the 'Musick Hall' to an audience of 700 people who were fitted in tightly. Ladies were advised that they should not wear hoops in their skirts, and gentlemen that they should leave their swords at home. Performed with the help of the choirs of the two Anglican cathedrals, HANDEL's great work received an ecstatic response with the Revd. Dr. Patrick DELANY so overcome by the performance of 'He was Despised' by Susanna CIBBER, that he rose from his seat and exclaimed -- "Woman, for this, be all thy sins forgiven."