1685
Born on February 23rd in Halle, Germany
1697
Became the assistant organist at the Halle cathedral
-organist Friedrich Wilhelm Zachau was his teacher
1703
Moved to Hamburg
-played violin in the opera orchestra
1704
Composed his first opera
1706
Traveled to Italy
1710
Returned to Germany
-became musical director to the electoral court of Hanover
1719
Became the director of the Royal Academy of Music
1720
Composed his first English oratorio
1727
Became a citizen of England
1728
Became the director of the Second Academy of Music
1741
Composed his Messiah
1759
Died on April 14th in London