Handel’s Messiah

13 – 15 Dec 2024

In the Concert Hall

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs

Classical Music

Find comfort, inspiration and pure seasonal joy in the company of Sydney Philharmonia Choirs as all our singers come together for an exhilarating performance of Handel’s greatest oratorio.

Handel’s Messiah

Messiah is a work of musical inspiration and pure faith. The story goes that Handel finished the Hallelujah Chorus in tears, saying ‘I think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God himself!’ And since its triumphant first performances in Dublin in 1742, it has moved listeners just as powerfully, with its dramatic choruses and glorious solos. As it does every two years, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs returns to perform this choral masterpiece.

Graham Abbott will conduct, bringing insights born of a lifetime conducting Messiah (75 and counting) combined with a freshness that comes from his deep love for this great oratorio. This will be a ‘big’ Messiah, with all the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs joining their annual Christmas Choir, but you’re guaranteed a performance that’s as stylish and fine-tuned as it is rousing. Hallelujah! 

Presented by Sydney Philharmonia Choirs

Program

George Frideric HANDEL Messiah

Artists

Graham Abbott conductor
Penelope Mills soprano
Margaret Plummer mezzo-soprano
Louis Hurley tenor
Christopher Richardson bass-baritone
Christmas Choir
Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra

Plan your visit

You may also like

Stephen Layton conducts Bach, Mozart & Handel

21 & 23 Aug 2025

Stephen Layton is one of the world's greatest choral conductors, an expert in vocal music from the Renaissance to the modern day. In this concert Stephen Layton conducts Baroque and Classical masterpieces by Bach, Handel, Mozart and Haydn, featuring guest soloist Sara Macliver.

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Stephen Layton conducts an Orchestra with arms outstretched

The Tallis Scholars

12 Oct 2025

Award-winning British vocal ensemble, The Tallis Scholars return to the Sydney Opera House for the first time in over two decades with an unmissable program inspired by the timeless beauty of Gregorian chant. Award-winning British vocal ensemble, The Tallis Scholars are renowned for their stunning cappella performances and exquisite recordings of sacred vocal music. The choir first sang at the Sydney Opera House in 1985, 40 years ago, and has returned five times since.

  • Classical Music

Simone Young conducts Richard Strauss

3 – 6 Sep 2025

Richard Strauss’ Thus Spoke Zarathustra launched into popular consciousness in the 1960s, dramatically underscoring the opening scenes of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Strauss’ sublime shifts from darkness to light are timeless, and jaw-dropping to experience live. Chief Conductor Simone Young is one of the world’s leading interpreters of Strauss’ music. In this concert she draws out the vast power of these works, alongside Australian pianist Andrea Lam and the virtuosity of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Simone Young conducts with baton in the hand in front of an orchestra

Checking availability